Bournemouth vs Tottenham - Match preview and predicted line-ups

By Jake Jackman

This is shaping up to be one of the best fixtures for the neutral as both sides play an attractive brand of football and will be looking to get a positive result at the Vitality Stadium. The pressure will be on the away side, as Tottenham have been talked up as title candidates and are coming into the match after successive draws. Meanwhile, Bournemouth are full of confidence after a dominant victory over Hull City.

Eddie Howe’s men were expected to struggle this season and a slow start suggested that they could suffer from second season syndrome. However, the signing of Jack Wilshere on loan provided the squad with a boost and they are slowly finding their feet in the new season. They will be hoping to steer clear of the relegation battle and their performances over the last few weeks suggest that they should do so with relative comfort.

Tottenham are the only unbeaten side in the Premier League this season and they will be keen to maintain that record this weekend. They will be missing two key players in Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane, which will test the strength of the players beneath the first team. After two draws in the last week, it will be a test of the side’s mettle as they attempt to show their title credentials.

Recent form

Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last three matches which has allowed them to climb into mid-table. They have only lost one of their home matches this season and that was against Manchester United. The Cherries have improved since that match and won’t roll over for Tottenham. Everton travelled to the South Coast before the international break in good form, but didn’t manage to take anything from the game and Tottenham could have similar problems.

As stated above, Tottenham haven’t lost in the league this season, but they didn’t play well against West Brom and that will give Bournemouth confidence. They have taken an impressive 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five matches and a win this weekend could see them rise to the top of the table.

Predicted line-ups

Harry Arter is likely to be missing after picking up an injury in the week, which could mean that Dan Gosling will come into the starting eleven. The midfielder came on last weekend and scored the final goal for the Cherries. That is the only change I’d expect from the team that beat Hull.

Kevin Wimmer is set to make his first Premier League start of the season in the absence of Toby Alderweireld. Vincent Janssen could be given another chance to break his Premier League duck, while Mousa Dembele could start ahead of Moussa Sissoko.

Bournemouth                                                                                                    Tottenham

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Injuries/suspensions

Bournemouth will have five players missing through injury including first team regular Harry Arter. The other players to be missing for the home side are Brad Smith, Max Gradel, Lewis Cook and Marc Pugh.

Danny Rose could be back to start against Bournemouth after recovering from a foot injury. They will be missing two key players in Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane, which is a major blow for the visitors.

Prediction

I expect Tottenham to win this weekend, but it won’t be easy for them as Bournemouth have improved significantly in recent matches. There should be goals in this one and it could be the perfect opportunity for Vincent Janssen to break his Premier League duck. Last season, Tottenham won handsomely in both meetings between the two clubs and although I think they will win again, this time it will only be by the one goal.

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