AFC Bournemouth have lost four of their last five Premier League matches, so will be looking for an upturn in form in their next five outings.
That cluster starts off with a difficult looking away trip before matches with two of the top five, meaning it could turn out to be a tough few weeks for Cherries boss Eddie Howe.
First up it’s this year’s surprise package Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, before a trip to Arsenal next Wednesday and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City visit the Vitality Stadium next weekend.
The last two fixtures, a trip to bottom-placed Huddersfield Town and the visit of Newcastle United, who are also languishing near the foot of the table, look far more appealing if you’re a Cherries fan.
Here’s how we predict those matches will finish as Bournemouth look to propel themselves up the Premier League table and confirm their top-flight status for next season.
Wolves (H)
This mid-table clash has the possibility to go either way, although Wolves have been fairly strong of late.
The Molineux club are unbeaten in their last seven outings in all competitions, including progression to the sixth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Bristol City.
One thing that could prove vital is the defences, with Wolves only conceding 33 times in comparison to the Cherries 47 in 26 top-flight fixtures.
Prediction: Bournemouth 0-2 Wolves
Arsenal (A)
Arsenal currently sit 5th in the table, one point behind Manchester United in the final Champions League spot.
The Gunners have had a hard time of things, including losing away to Bate Borisov in the Europa League and exiting the FA Cup to Manchester United.
However, at the Emirates, I can see Unai Emery’s men’s class eventually shining through, although don’t’ back against Bournemouth to nick a goal.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Bournemouth
Man City (H)
It doesn’t get any easier after that tough looking trip to North London as Man City roll into the Vitality Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s men are on course to defend their Premier League title with Liverpool looking their only likely challengers and are also still in the hunt for the quadruple.
With that in mind there may be some squad rotation, but with their squad depth that won’t hinder the Citizens much at all.
Prediction: Bournemouth 0- 3 Man City
Huddersfield (A)
After those tricky fixtures, Eddie Howe will be delighted for a seemingly easier clash with Huddersfield (on paper).
Jan Siewert is yet to guide the Terriers to victory since taking over the reins from David Wagner, and the West Yorkshire outfit look all-but down with 12 matches to go.
This is one the Cherries should be winning, and I’m backing them to do so. Just.
Prediction: Huddersfield 1-2 Bournemouth
Newcastle (H)
The final test in this group of games is the visit of Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United to the South Coast.
The Magpies are also well in a relegation battle, having accrued just a point more than 18th-placed Southampton to date.
Key man Salomon Rondon will play a key role in the outcome of this match, with his strength and heading ability challenging many defences over the years.