Bournemouth v Swansea: Thriller expected in teatime encounter

IN-FORM Willie Duncan (@Willie_Duncan) is backing a goal-heavy game when Bournemouth welcome Leicester this Saturday evening.

Bournemouth v Swansea | Saturday 17:30 | BT Sport

Punters at the Vitality Stadium were treated to an absolute thriller last weekend when Bournemouth went toe-to-toe with West Ham United.

What a game! The Cherries claimed their first win of 2017 in spectacular style, winning 3-2 by virtue of Josh King's maiden Premier League hat-trick – with the winning goal coming in the dying minutes of the game.

Eddie Howe's side looked as if they were attempting to put on a masterclass in frittering away precious Premier League points as they missed not one, but two penalties against the Hammers.

Potential for another thriller

Such excitement cannot be guaranteed this weekend, but there is plenty of potential for a high-scoring contest, for there have been goals galore in Swansea’s most recent matches.

Indeed, there have been more than two goals scored in all but two of the last 19 league games that the Swans have played.

Since Paul Clement arrived at the turn of the year, the Swans have picked up some vital victories in their fight to avoid relegation but the side from Wales suffered a bitter blow last weekend as they slumped to a painful defeat against Hull at the KCOM.

Come the end of the season, that loss may well prove costly and there is no doubt that Swansea's away form must improve if they are to avoid being cast as Championship contenders next term; the Swans have procured just seven points from their last 13 league matches away from Liberty Stadium.

Value lies in a high-scoring clash

Bournemouth will be hoping to maintain momentum, having picked up four points from their last two matches, but the Cherries have lacked consistency this season and better value lies in a high-scoring clash when these teams renew their rivalry.

There have been at least four goals scored in five of Bournemouth's last eight home matches, while the Cherries have chipped in with at least three goals on four occasions at Vitality Stadium this season.

But defensively, Bournemouth have been a disappointment, keeping just one clean sheet in their last 12 games – against Swansea at the Liberty on New Year's Eve.

The Swans will hope that star striker Fernando Llorente is fit to take his place in the starting line-up on the south coast and the Spanish striker will fancy his chances of breaching Bournemouth's defence this weekend.

Neither side has a decent defensive record; there is, therefore, plenty of potential for goals when these two teams meet on Saturday teatime. The 5/6 (BetVictor) quote, therefore, for more than two goals to be scored looks to be a solid selection for punters.