Leeds vs Bournemouth predictions: Low-scoring contest expected

- Fewer than three goals have been scored in three of Leeds' last four home games 
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in two of Bournemouth's last three on the road 
- Recommended Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals

Leeds United will look to follow up their win over Liverpool when they entertain a slumping Bournemouth in the first top-flight meeting of the clubs.

The Saturday night party songs were blaring out from the away dressing room as winger Crysencio Summerville came to terms with the impact of his late winner on the Whites' season last weekend.

The air had been getting hot around Jesse Marsch after a run of four straight defeats had dropped Leeds into the relegation zone.

But they are now up to 15th and the pressure transfers to Bournemouth interim boss Gary O'Neil, who would have been driven crazy by Tottenham's comeback from two goals down at the Vitality Stadium to hand his side a third defeat on the spin.

Both clubs have not one minute to lose in the race to pull clear of the bottom three before the Premier League breaks for the World Cup.

Team news

Luis Sinisterra looks set to be available for the visit of the Cherries after the Colombian missed Leeds' trip to Merseyside with a foot problem.

But Summerville's heroics and Leeds' overall performance in the 2-1 win make it very hard for Marsch to justify changing the line-up.

Patrick Bamford did his chances of earning a recall no favours at all with a fitful display, so Rodrigo is likely to retain his place up front.

Stuart Dallas (thigh) and Adam Forshaw (ankle) remain out.

Bournemouth are likely to be without at least three players for their visit to West Yorkshire.

Defender Lloyd Kelly, who last featured in the Cherries' 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest in early September, and goalkeeper Neto, who came off in their recent loss at West Ham, are unlikely to make the journey north because of their respective ankle and hamstring injuries.

Winger David Brooks, who spent last season battling Hodgkin Lymphoma, remains a doubt after suffering a thigh strain while playing for Bournemouth's Under-21 side.

O'Neil has started with four different formations in the Cherries' last five games, opting to begin in a 3-5-1-1 set-up against Spurs last weekend.

Marcus Tavernier and Jordan Zemura will stay at wing-back if he sticks to that system with Ryan Christie an option to return to the side if the interim manager reverts to a 4-2-3-1.

The stats

Leeds' positive result at Anfield meant they avoided losing five consecutive away league games for the first time since November 2006 in the League Championship.

Leeds have had 40% or less possession in all three of their Premier League wins this season — averaging a 36.6% share of the ball in their victories over Wolves, Chelsea and Liverpool.

But the Whites have had more than 40% possession in all of their draws and defeats with their lowest total outside of their wins coming in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa (43%) at Elland Road.

Islan Meslier produced nine saves at Anfield, the most he has ever made in a single match during his time at Leeds and the highest total of any goalkeeper in a Premier League game this season.

Kieffer Moore has scored seven times in 17 appearances for Bournemouth since arriving on transfer deadline day from Cardiff City last January.

With just two cautions to his name after 13 Premier League games, Jefferson Lerma is on course for his lowest total of yellow cards in a season at Bournemouth.

The Colombian missed 13 games due to suspension last season.

Prediction

The data points to Leeds being a more dangerous team when their opponents have the majority of the ball and they can fashion chances in transition, but they are unlikely to have that luxury against the team that sit right at the bottom of the Premier League's possession table.

Whether the Whites can break O'Neil's side down and not leave themselves open to counter attacks could depend on the quality of service from wide areas.

Likewise, the Cherries will attempt to feed in-form striker Moore with the kind of chances he gobbled up against Spurs.

Leeds' defence, aided by the brilliant Meslier, held firm against Liverpool and if the French goalkeeper continues in that vein then a low-scoring contest should be anticipated.

Fewer than three goals have been scored in three of Leeds' last four home games and two of the Cherries' last three on the road, with Under 2.5 goals available to back at 1/1 with LiveScore Bet.