Despite producing some absolutely brilliant football this season that has often kept the audience on the edge of their seat, Bournemouth’s defending has led the team down on most occasion. After showing a historic comeback against Liverpool last week from 3-2 down to win the match by 4-3, the Cherries looked surprisingly toothless against a Burnley side this week as they were beaten 3-2.
Bournemouth’s weakness against defensively sound opponents has now been exposed on more than one occasion and their next opponents will undoubtedly take the advantage of it. Unfortunately for Bournemouth, they welcome Leicester in the midweek, who looks to have got back their magic touch of the previous season as they ran a 4-2 riot over Manchester City as if they were a Championship team.
Bournemouth will surely have a pretty difficult time dealing with the Foxes although their home record has been quite decent this time to collect 13 points from 7 games.
Defence
Artur Boruc returned to the squad against Burnley from injury and didn’t have the best of games. However, he is likely to hold his place ahead of Adam Federici.
Nathan Ake and Steve Cook are likely to start at the heart of the Bournemouth defence as they have been the preferred duo for Howe. After missing out the match against Liverpool, Charlie Daniels returned to the first team this weekend and is expected to take his position in the left-back. Former Liverpool youth graduate Brad Smith should start against Leicester City.
Midfield
The duo in the middle of the park- Harry Arter and Dan Gosling- more or less chooses themselves now. They have been the engine of the team so far with their balanced duties of attacking and defending. Their vibrant performances helped the Cherries to almost bounce against Burnley.
Jack Wilshere didn’t start against Burnley after Howe decided to go with two at the front for the game. However, Burnley have looked far more composed with the sole striker with the on-loan Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere in the playmaker position. And we expect Howe to start the November Player of the month for Bournemouth against Leicester.
Attack
Adam Smith is likely to start on the right flank. His job will not only be to attack but also provide a solid defensive cover to the defence by tracking back. The left flank will be taken by Ryan Fraser. After Junior Stanislas limped out of last Sunday’s 4-3 win over Liverpool at Vitality Stadium having sustained an ankle problem, Fraser has been the preferred winger. The centre-forward position will be taken by Callum Wilson, who has been quite decent up front this season.
