Bournemouth vs Wolves Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 23/8/2025

Since their return to the Premier League in 2022, Bournemouth have steadily grown under Basque coach Andoni Iraola. Last season, the Cherries impressed with a 9th-place finish, ending just nine points off a potential European qualification spot. Their progress has shifted expectations, with the club now openly targeting the possibility of pushing closer to continental competition in the near future.

Their summer preparations highlighted both promise and inconsistency. Wins over Hibernian, Everton, and Bristol City showed their quality, but a run of four matches without victory — defeats to Manchester United (4-1) and West Ham (2-0), plus draws against Real Sociedad and Bristol City — tempered enthusiasm. Still, their opening-day clash with Liverpool underlined their intent, as Bournemouth pushed the Reds hard in a spirited 4-2 loss.

The Cherries faced significant changes in the transfer window. Rising defenders Zabarnyi (PSG), Huijsen (Real Madrid), and Kerkez (Liverpool) all departed, while winger Ouattara joined Brentford in a €42 million move. Goalkeeper Kepa returned to Chelsea after his loan ended, while Travers (Everton) and Anthony (Burnley) also left. However, Bournemouth reinvested wisely, bringing in goalkeeper Petrovic (Chelsea/Strasbourg), centre-back Diakité (Lille), and full-back Truffert (Rennes). Promising teenager Eli Kroupi (Lorient) has also joined and is expected to play a meaningful role.

Despite injury setbacks to key players including Kluivert, Cook, and Christie, Bournemouth still boast attacking strength through Semenyo — who opened the season with a brace against Liverpool, responding to racist abuse with a powerful on-field statement — alongside Evanilson and Tavernier.

Wolves Struggling for Stability

Wolverhampton endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, finishing 16th in the league under new boss Vítor Pereira. While comfortably clear of relegation, the Wolves struggled for consistency and now face the challenge of building towards mid-table security this season.

Their preseason was far from reassuring, yielding no victories: a 1-1 draw with Stoke was followed by losses to Lens (3-1), Girona (2-1), and Celta Vigo (1-0). The trend continued in their league opener, where Manchester City dismantled them 4-0 at Molineux.

The club also suffered heavy personnel losses. Star striker Matheus Cunha left for Manchester United, while wing-backs Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce) and Aït-Nouri (Manchester City) departed, weakening their wide play. Sarabia (Al-Arabi), Guedes, Craig Dawson, and Carlos Borges also exited, further reducing depth.

Wolves have sought to rebuild by finalizing a permanent deal for Danish striker Strand Larsen, who impressed on loan with 14 goals and 4 assists last season. They also strengthened their attack with additions like Jørgen Strand Larsen’s partner Iron López (Celta Vigo) and Jhon Arias (Fluminense). In midfield, the Brazilian duo João Gomes and André provide stability, while Agbadou has emerged as a defensive mainstay. Even so, early signs suggest Pereira’s side may endure another difficult campaign, particularly away from home, where form has been poor.

Predicted Lineups

Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Petrovic – Truffert, Senesi, Diakité, Smith – Scott, Adams – Brooks, Tavernier, Semenyo – Evanilson
Wolverhampton (3-4-2-1): Sá – Doherty, Agbadou, Toti – Hoever, João Gomes, André, Wolfe – Bellegarde, Munetsi – Strand Larsen

Prediction

Bournemouth have turned the Vitality Stadium into something of a fortress, winning six of their last seven league matches at home. Their attacking trio looks sharp despite injuries, and they appear well-equipped to continue their upward trajectory.

Wolves, on the other hand, remain unsettled and have endured nine defeats in their last 12 away fixtures across all competitions. With a weakened squad and early-season struggles, their prospects on the south coast appear bleak.

Prediction: Bournemouth 3:0 Wolverhampton