Bournemouth shocked the Premier League last week by coming up with a big upset against Everton, beating the in-form Toffees 1-0 at Dean Court. They will travel to Vicarage Road on Saturday to take on Walter Mazzarri’s Watford, a team who climbed their way to the Premier League along with the Cherries last season. Both clubs had impressive Premier League campaigns last time out and were never really dragged into the relegation battle and are expected to build on that success this term.
The two clubs are right now level on points but Watford sit 11th while the Cherries are right now 15th with the Hornets boasting a greater goal difference. Watford had a poor start to their season but looked to have finally found the winning formula as they shocked West Ham and Manchester United back to back in the Premier League.
However, they were beaten 2-0 by newly-promoted Burnley on Monday whereas Bournemouth, after their 1-0 win against Everton, will be full of confidence when they travel to Vicarage Road.
Here is the predicted Bournemouth lineup against Watford
Defence
Artur Boruc will start under the bar ahead of Adam Federici. We expect Adam Smith to be fit for the game shaking off a minor knock and start in the right-back position against Watford. Charlie Daniels should keep his place in the left-back position. Simon Francis and Steve Cook should remain as the centre-back pairing.
Bournemouth’s biggest problem has been shipping away too many goals but the back four looked solid against Everton last week, getting a clean sheet in the process. The back four will be looking to have another solid outing.
Midfield
Andrew Surman and Harry Arter should start as the double pivot in midfield. Bournemouth backline needs more defensive cover and Howe should consider switching from 4-1-4-1 to 4-2-3-1 that can add more steel in the middle of the park especially due to Watford playing a 3-man midfield.
With Arter and Surman sitting deep, Arsenal loanee Jack Wilshere is likely to be deployed as an advanced playmaker. The English international was impressive against Everton last week and Howe will hope the 24-year-old will deliver once again.
Junior Stanislas scored the vital winner against Everton last week and should keep his place on the right flank. We expect Jordon Ibe to make way for Joshua King on the left flank. The big money signing from Liverpool has found life hard at the South Coast of England and he could drop to the bench.
Attack
We expect Callum Wilson to keep his place up front. Even though he has not managed to do a good job this season, he is the first-choice at Dean Court by some distance.
