Bournemouth’s win over West Ham United has lifted their spirits and they will now host a resurgent Swansea City in the next match at the Vitality Stadium. The win over Hammers sees them six points clear of the relegation zone and a win for either side would see them moving up on the table. This was their first win in 2017 and they will be hoping to continue this momentum.
Eddie Howe’s main problem has been the defence. The Cherries have conceded 54 goals so far which indicates the condition of their backline. The departure of Nathan Ake has left a gaping hole in the defence. Ake had been one of the most successful defenders under Howe and had fitted beautifully to his strategies. But they have so far failed to replace him successfully.
His departure has compelled Howe to deploy Simon Francis at the heart of the defence who is basically a fullback. Tyrone Mings has been suspended by the FA for allegedly stamping Zlatan Ibrahimovic and won’t be available for the next couple of matches.
Another concern for Howe would be their inability to hold on to their lead in matches. The Cherries have lost 18 points this season in those matches where they had taken the lead first.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Bournemouth Lineup Against Swansea
Defence
Arturo Boruc has failed to keep a clean sheet in the last three matches but will have to be at his best to thwart the challenges of Fernando Llorente and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Steve Cook will be accompanied by Simon Francis at the central defence. Despite being a side back, the 32 year old has done reasonably well.
Charlie Daniels and Adam Smith will feature as the two side backs and will try to join the attack with their overlapping runs.
Midfield
Eddie Howe has been an avid believer of possession based football. Dan Gosling and Harry Arter have played an influential part for Howe and he will use them as a double pivot in the midfield. Arter isn’t fully fit but is expected to regain his full fitness before the match.
Joshua King scored a hat-trick in the last game and will be the attacking midfielder to display his creativity.
Attack
Marc Pugh and Ryan Fraser will take up the two flanks.
Benik Afobe will take the role up front.
The Cherries have been dependant on their attack till this point and will look to outscore their opponents in their quest for invaluable points.
