Bournemouth are looking at a repeat of last season where they bulldozed through the critics who were sure of their relegation and guaranteed safety by finishing a respectable 16th. Not only was the survival an achievement, the way they did it, winning at Stamford Bridge and beating Manchester United at Dean Court along the way was worthy of a special mention. Bournemouth were not some lucky winners of a lottery, they deserved the plaudits which came their way.
While many expected them to go down last year, the same people might have reared their pessimistic and condescending heads again in a bid to derail and dilute their achievements. Bournemouth are currently in the 13th spot having acquired 8 points from 7 games so far. They have failed to gather any momentum thus far but the encouraging thing for the club is that they have proven to be more than a match for the teams outside the top 6. Eddie Howe had to wait for his first win till the 4th game but has collected 4 points from the next 3, with the loss coming against league leaders Manchester City.
One positive already this season has been the amount of recognition and plaudits their young coach Eddie Howe has been garnering with none other than Pep Guardiola going out of his way to praise the manner in which his team played against City. With the club certainly moving in the right direction, they just need to find the extra thrust to get over the line in the close matches.
T4O’s PREDICTED BOURNEMOUTH LINE-UP VS HULL CITY (4-3-2-1)
DEFENCE
Artur Boruc will be in goal and is a good shout for a clean sheet with Hull City in town. Smith will be at right-back with Simon Francis and Steve Cook as the central defensive pair.Daniels hasn’t yet reached the elevated levels of last season and will look to shore up defensively while retaining his attacking flair in the left-back slot.
MIDFIELD
Harry Arter is a slight doubt for the match which might see Jack Wilshere move into a more central area beside Andrew Surman. Joshua King might take up the furthest position at the tip of the three-man midfield, more as a secondary striker. The slightly attacking approach can be justified with the opponents being Hull City at home.
ATTACK
Jordan Ibe has failed to live up to this price tag but has to be given more chances. He will line up on one wing with Stanislas being on the opposite side. Callum Wilson will be leading the line.
