Bournemouth have been struggling for form since the start of the season and had to work hard to beat minnows Morecambe in the last round of the League Cup. The South Coast side will host Championship side Preston North End at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday in the third round of the League Cup. The Cherries suffered a 4-0 loss at the hands of Premier League giants Manchester City last weekend whereas Preston are on the back of a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Brentford from Saturday.
Preston overcame Oldham 2-0 in the previous round but managed to win only one of their four games after that losing the other three. On the other hand, the Cherries have won just two of their last six games and will be looking for an inspiring outing against the Championship side.
Team news
Bournemouth have no fresh injury worries or suspension concerns ahead of their EFL Cup game against Preston on Tuesday. We can expect a few rotations from Eddie Howe.
Preston will be without injured defender Marnick Vermij. Jermaine Beckford (hamstring), fellow striker Stevie May and defender Calum Woods (both knee) remain sidelined.
Predicted line-ups and tactical setups
Bournemouth
We can expect plenty of changes from Eddie Howe. The Cherries are expected to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation. Adam Federici could start under the bar with Artur Boruc being rested. Alan Smith will keep his place in the right-back position. Marc Wilson and Nathan Ake should start at the heart of the defence. Young bombarding left-back Brad Smith is expected to start in the left-back position. Dan Gosling is expected to get a start in the middle of the park. Jack Wilshere will keep his place in midfield and alongside him, we can expect youngster Lewis Cook to start. Marc Pugh could get a start on the left flank and we can expect Max Gradel to start on the right. Benik Afobe should replace Callum Wilson in the starting XI.
Starting XI: Federici, A. Smith, Ake, Wilson, B. Smith; Gosling; Gradel, Wilshere, Cook, Pugh; Afobe
Preston
We can expect plenty of changes from Simon Grayson. The visitors are likely to line up in a 4-4-2 formation. Chris Maxwell is likely to start under the bar behind the back four of Woods, Clarke, Wright, and Cunningham. Welsh and Browne are likely to start in the middle of the park with McGeady and Pringle expected to start on the flanks. Hugill is likely to partner Makienok up front.
Starting XI: Maxwell; Woods, Wright, Clarke, Cunningham; McGeady, Welsh, Browne, Pringle; Hugill, Makienok
Betting odds
Bournemouth win @ 1.57
Draw @ 4.00
Preston win @ 7.00
