How AFC Bournemouth Can Determine This Season's Title Race

As Bournemouth enter the final seven Premier League games of the 25/26 season, Cherries fans still want to dream an unlikely dream of European qualification, but amid the inevitable conversations regarding the outcome of the remaining games, Andoni Iraola's men could have serious say on the title.

The Premier League title race is finely poised, and for AFC Bournemouth, whilst they want to experience excitement of their own, they could well have a decisive say in where this seasons trophy ends up - with crucial fixtures against both Arsenal and Manchester City still to come.

For Cherries supporters, there is a sense of intrigue as much as anticipation - particularly given last season’s memorable results in similar high-profile clashes.

Replicating those outcomes would not only bolster Bournemouth’s own points tally, but could significantly tilt the balance in the title race. 

So, here are the games that remain for the Iraola's charges this season, and we start with the two road trips that would have terrified supporters a couple of seasons ago.

At the Emirates in May 2025, Bournemouth stunned Arsenal 2-1 with a second-half comeback, as Evanilson’s scrappy winner sealed a first-ever away victory there. Three points feels ambitious on paper, yet the history says it’s possible. 

Our prediction? A Bournemouth loss. Arsenal are just too good this time around.

A month earlier last season in January 2025, the Cherries dismantled Newcastle 4-1 at St James’ Park, with Justin Kluivert’s hat-trick lighting up Tyneside. With Eddie Howe's side faltering of late, Bournemouth might smell blood - but surely his winless run against his old club can't continue can it?

It can. We think this could be a draw.

The home games offer further encouragement for Bournemouth, and with Leeds returning to the Vitality for the first time since April 2023 when Bournemouth cruised to a 4-1 victory, this could be an absorbing one. Leeds might be in a predicament where they need to win, in which case, Cherries could pounce.

Our thoughts? Expect another three points from AFC Bournemouth here.

Against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day 2024, the sides played out a gritty 0-0. Games between Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner always seem to be draws, so will this play out the same?

Probably. This one will be a draw.

At Craven Cottage the last time round (February 2024), Fulham ran out 3-1 winners. History suggests a narrow defeat, but other than that game, the recent record against the Cottagers has been exemplary.

We predict honours even here, and another Cherries draw.

When The Citizens visited in March 2025, Guardiola's men left with a 2-1 loss in what was a incredibly spirited Cherries display - their first ever victory over Manchester City. Pep's side did however win in the FA Cup match at Dean Court that followed. 

Genuinely, Bournemouth might get something out of this one. Cherries could claim a point.

Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in August 2024 saw Bournemouth share the points with the Tricky Trees with a late Semenyo equaliser.  Three points could on the cards if the any attacking fluency returns for Bournemouth, but Forest will be desperate to end their campaign on a high.

A draw would be a safe bet here, and probably the most likely outcome.

Add it up and, based on our predictions, Bournemouth will be adding eight points to their league tally, therefore finishing on 50 points.

If they exactly matched the previous results at each respective games though, they'd get 15.

It could be a tasty run in!