Bournemouth are lined up to face Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday afternoon. The fixture promises an intense battle between two teams who are currently neck-and-neck in the Premier League standings.
The Cherries upstaged Watford in the 10th spot of the points table after the 1-2 win over West Brom on 17th March. Jay Rodriguez looked to have set up Albion for only a fourth league victory of the season when he spun to hook in Salomon Rondon’s downward header early in the second half.
But Pardew’s side lost their concentration amid a defensive reshuffle following the substitution of captain Jonny Evans.
Jordon Ibe took advantage as he cut in from the left to bounce a shot past keeper Ben Foster from 25 yards.
Then Stanislas, who had been off-target with a couple of free-kicks from a similar distance earlier in the match, floated a perfect shot over the wall and inside the post from the edge of the area.
Worries of relegation might well be on the backboard with both the teams ahead of the bottom three by 8 points. Watford’s season seems to be recovering under the newly appointed, Javi Gracia.
However, the Hornets were thrashed by a total of 8 goals by Arsenal and Liverpool in the last two league fixtures. Their seasonal ambitions of finishing in the top-half of the table have taken a major swing towards the unthinkable.
Going up against a charged Hornets team will prove to be challenging for Eddie Howe’s men. Here is how Bournemouth might line up on matchday.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Defence
Asmir Begovic was ruled out of international duty for Bosnia and is a serious doubt for this fixture. In his absence, Artur Boruc is expected to start in the goalkeeping position.
The veteran should find himself behind the centre-back pairing of Nathan Ake and Jack Simpson.
Charlie Daniels might provide cover from the left and Steve Cook from the right.
Adam Smith and Simon Francis still need to be assessed for fitness while Tyron Ming is a long-time absentee.
Midfield
Dan Gosling and Lewis Cook are expected to solidify the centre-circle along with Jordan Ibe and Ryan Fraser on the wings.
Junior Stanislas did score the winner on the last matchday but still could be rested for this fixture.
Attack
Joshua King will have to shadow the 7-goal Callum Wilson in the attack. The duo has worked well and Lys Mousset is expected to appear from the benches if required.
