Bournemouth had simply no chance against a flawless Tottenham Hotspur side last week as they were completely dominated at White Hart Lane. The defeat has left them just two positions and seven points above the relegation zone and if the Cherries keep faltering in the remaining six games, Eddie Howe will have a real chance of finishing at the other end of the league.
The Cherries welcome a struggling Middlesbrough side next, whose relegation survival suffered a mammoth blow as they went down 1-2 at home to Arsenal this week. Bournemouth’s home record isn’t something very encouraging and Howe will be hoping to capitalise on the patchy form Boro are at the moment.
Bournemouth have never lost a home game in the league to Boro, keeping three clean sheets in the process. However, Boro got the better of them in the reverse fixture and Bournemouth would be the only team other than Sunderland over whom Boro could do the double this campaign.
Defence
Artur Boruc will take his position under the bar again. He is the best Howe has in the squad and the Polish shot-stopper would be hoping for an evenly balanced game this time after experiencing a nightmare against Spurs.
Bournemouth hardly got the chance to attack last game with their first shot on target coming as late as in the final quarter. They have let in over two goals in their last eight home fixtures and they have to be cautious it doesn’t repeat anymore.
Charlie Daniels and Simon Francis will start on the defensive flanks once again. The likes of Heung Ming-Son and Christian Eriksen had simply terrorised them in the last game and while Gaston Ramirez and Stuart Downing are still a threat, they are unlikely to be so devastating.
Howe decided against playing Tyrone Mings last game and looks to have paid the price. The aggressive centre-half was a necessity against a counter-attacking Tottenham side and he is expected to start this time. Steve Cook will start alongside him.
Midfield
Central midfield will be a huge concern for Eddie Howe at the moment. After Jack Wilshere hobbled off the field early in the Tottenham game, Bournemouth lost all impact. With Dan Gosling, yet to return from his knee injury, we expect Lewis Cook to continue alongside Harry Arter in the midfield.
Attack
The wings will be taken by Marc Pugh and Junior Stanislas. Stanislas had an ineffective game last week and will look to make things count this time.
The attack will be spearheaded by Joshua King and Benik Afobe.
