Bournemouth need their European form to bring a first league win

Bournemouth have won both of their opening European fixtures but are still waiting for their first Premier League victory. They host Sunderland on Sunday with just three points from six league games and sit 19th after last weekend’s 5-1 defeat at Chelsea.

Marco Rose’s side answered that loss with a 3-0 win over Sturm Graz in midweek. Bournemouth are playing in European competition for the first time after qualifying last season, and their two wins have given them a positive start on the continent. The challenge now is to carry that form into the league.

Their domestic record stands at three draws and three defeats, with a goal difference of minus six. Sunderland arrive after a European win over S.C.U. Torreense and will look to build on that result at the Vitality Stadium. The fixture gives Bournemouth a chance to turn a strong European start into a first league win; Sunderland, meanwhile, will try to extend the momentum from their own continental result.

Sunderland have a concern over Wilson Isidor, who will be assessed after picking up a knock against Brighton & Hove Albion. Thomas Meunier is set to miss out with a hamstring injury, while Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle are also unavailable.

Bournemouth’s unavailable players include Alex Scott, E. J. Kroupi, Hamed Traoré, Julian Araujo, Junior Kroupi and Matai Akinmboni. Scott and Araujo have thigh injuries, Traoré has adductor pain and Akinmboni has a muscle injury. Veljko Milosavljevic is doubtful.

Craig Pawson will referee, assisted by Lee Betts and Gary Beswick. Sam Allison is the fourth official, while Tony Harrington will oversee VAR with Adam Nunn assisting. Kick-off is at 2pm BST on Sunday, 18 October. Bournemouth’s immediate test is whether they can make their European confidence count in a league campaign that has yet to produce a win.