AFC Bournemouth had a stormy affair at Old Trafford last weekend and to everyone’s surprise, the Cherries came out level with Manchester United as they managed to pull off a draw. The hard-fought point has kept them in the 14th position in the league table with 27 points, level with Leicester City and Swansea City, who stand below them.
Up next for Bournemouth is West Ham United at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday and Eddie Howe would hope to get back to winning ways against the Hammers. What made the Old Trafford result all the more surprising was their previous form. The Cherries produced a fabulous display in a tricky venue coming on the back of a four-game losing streak and they must be brimming with confidence now.
The Cherries have collected a decent 18 points from their 13 home games so far and could have a realistic chance of getting a win. However, it won’t be easy as the manager has lost some of his first team players through injuries and suspensions, as they couldn’t really come out unscathed from the high-octane match last week.
Strongest Bournemouth XI vs West Ham United
Defence
Without a doubt, Artur Boruc is expected to start under the bar. The Polish international was absolutely brilliant against United, calling upon the super powers, which goalkeepers have often been blessed with at Old Trafford this season.
The defence has been a huge problem for the Cherries since they have stepped into the new year and it doesn’t look like going away anytime soon for Howe. The absence of Simon Francis has already left the Bournemouth’s back line crippled and Howe will now be without centre-half Tyrone Mings.
The centre-half has been suspended for five games, for an allegedly intentional stamp on United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, by the Football Association following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing. We expect Steve Cook to be partnered by Baily Cargill in central defence. Charlie Daniels is expected to start on the left flank and Adam Smith on the right.
Midfield
Another suspension here as Howe will be without Andrew Surman for the next two games after he saw two yellow cards in the last game. Dan Gosling has had a good run alongside Harry Arter in the double pivot position earlier in the season that had brought positive results and Howe is expected to start with the old setup now.
Joshua King, who got Bournemouth’s equaliser against United after converting from the spot was subbed off in the final minutes owing to an injury and we expect Jack Wilshere to start in the number 10 position this time.
Attack
Marc Pugh should start from the left wing and Ryan Fraser on the right wing. The attack is likely to be spearheaded by Benik Afobe this time.
