Eddie Howe to field an unchanged XI – Strongest 4-4-1-1 Bournemouth lineup to face Tottenham Hotspur
The Cherries will welcome Tottenham Hotspur for a cracking encounter at Dean Court on Sunday. On paper, this is another difficult game for a Bournemouth side who have often left themselves a little too open at the back.
The truth is, however, that an energy-sapping and soul-destroying defeat to Juventus in midweek will have taken a big juicy bite out of Spurs. In addition to that, they have a record of having collected 17 points in their last 10 league games but Bournemouth will feel the gap has narrowed for this one.
Team News
Eddie Howe doesn’t have too many injuries to worry about. Only Tyrone Mings, Marc Pugh and Jordan Ibe are doubtful.
Predicted Bournemouth XI
Manager: Eddie Howe
Formation: 4-4-1-1
GK – Asmir Begovic
Although he’s made his errors he, in fact, remains one of the best shot-stoppers in the league.
RB – Simon Francis
Defensively solid, Francis isn’t a bad option in this position and will do his bit to keep Spurs quiet.
CB – Steve Cook
A danger from set-pieces and cool at the back, the only worry for Cook on the day would be Tottenham’s pace.
CB – Nathan Ake
Harry Kane is, of course, the big challenge and doubling up with Cook may be the only option. That said, it might leave a space for others to run into.
LB – Charlie Daniels
Bournemouth’s defensive duties are obvious for this one, though it’s vital Daniels gets up in support of Stanislas down the wing.
RW – Adam Smith
A player who flies under the radar, somewhat, but one who is perfectly capable of contributing to a positive result here.
CM – Lewis Cook
Yet another player who forms a solid, English-speaking core at Bournemouth and their togetherness is the reason they get such good results.
CM – Dan Gosling
Got the crucial equaliser against Newcastle recently and another home goal here would be so valuable. Provides great energy in the midfield areas.
LW – Junior Stanislas
Can cut inside onto his right foot to good effect and that can work in the right-back area.
SS – Joshua King
Missed a howler but scored the penalty at Leicester last week and remains a chief danger in the box. His running from slightly deeper positions will cause problems for Tottenham.
ST – Callum Wilson
Probably overdue a barnstorming, goalscoring performance and remains very capable of one. King’s runs and Stanislas’ delivery are important to him and he may well get a huge goal this weekend.