Predicted Bournemouth Playing XI vs Southampton
Bournemouth will travel to the St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday evening, as they gear up to take on Claude Puel’s Southampton in the Premier League.
The Cherries are at 11th position in the league standings, level on points with Saints but just one place below due to the Saints’ superior goal-scoring record. Eddie Howe’s side stand a chance to go past them, with a win at St. Mary’s. Bournemouth have not faced a defeat in their last three games and come into the game with a convincing 2-0 win over Swansea City prior to the international break. The last time these two sides met, the Saints eased to a 3-1 win over at the Vitality Stadium.
Team News:
There are several injury concerns for Howe coming into the game, with doubts over the involvement of Lys Mousset and Harry Arter, who are being assessed on a day by day basis. Winger Ryan Fraser also faces a race against time to be fit for the game as he recovers from a knee injury, while fellow wide player Junior Stanislas is expected to be out due to a groin injury.
Striker Callum Wilson and goalkeeper Adam Federici have been ruled out for the rest of the season. Defender Tyrone Mings will also be unavailable, as he serves the third of his five-match ban for his scuffle with Zlatan Ibrahimovic against Manchester United.
Here is how Bournemouth could line up against Southampton:
Manager: Eddie Howe
Formation: 4-4-2
Expected Starting XI:
Artur Boruc (GK)
The Danish shot-stopper has been the preferred option in between the sticks for Bournemouth this term and we don’t expect that to change for Saturday’s encounter.
Adam Smith (RB)
At right-back, Adam Smith has been a constant figure in the line-up for the Cherries and has been performing quite well. He will take the field against Southampton.
Simon Francis (CB)
At centre-back, captain Simon Francis is fit again and has started the last two games for Bournemouth. And with Tyrone Mings unavailable, he is sure to make it to the playing XI.
Steve Cook (CB)
Alongside Francis, it will the brilliant Steve Cook. The Englishman has had a fine season at the back for the Cherries and expect another steady performance from him on Saturday.
Charlie Daniels (LB)
Completing the back four will be Charlie Daniels at left-back. Another constant player in the line-up, Daniels has been one of the most consistent performers for Bournemouth this season and should start against the Saints.
Jordan Ibe (RM)
With doubts over the availability of Ryan Fraser, we could see Jordan Ibe start the game on the right-side of the midfield. The former Liverpool man hasn’t had the best of the seasons since moving to Bournemouth but could get a start on Saturday.
Andrew Surman (CM)
In the middle of the park, it will be Andrew Surman. The former Norwich City man has been a solid presence in the midfield for the Cherries and is a sure starter.
Dan Gosling (CM)
Alongside Surman, it will be Dan Gosling who will take the field. With Harry Arter a doubt for the game, Howe will be relying on Gosling to provide the energy and the drive in the midfield.
Marc Pugh (LM)
And on the left-flank, we will see no change with Marc Pugh continuing in the playing XI. The 29-year old has featured heavily in recent weeks and with Junior Stanislas unavailable, we believe he will keep his place.
Joshua King (ST)
Upfront, it will be the exuberant Joshua King. The former Manchester United academy man has been in top form in recent weeks and will start the game high on confidence.
Benik Afobe (ST)
Alongside King will be former Arsenal man Benik Afobe. The striker got himself on the scoresheet against Swansea and will keep his place in the team.