Bournemouth are looking at a repeat of last season where they bulldozed through the critics who were sure of their relegation and guaranteed safety by finishing a respectable 16th. Not only was the survival an achievement, the way they did it, winning at Stamford Bridge and beating Manchester United at Dean Court along the way was worthy of a special mention.
This season they have been inconsistent but have shown glimpses of quality which could ensure their safety once again if the application is a tad better. One positive already this season has been the amount of recognition and plaudits their young coach Eddie Howe has been garnering with none other than Pep Guardiola going out of his way to praise the Cherries. With the club certainly moving in the right direction, they just need to find the extra thrust to get over the line in the close matches.
Before their match against Hull City, we look at 3 key battles which have the potential to alter the outcome of the match.
TOM HUDDLESTONE VS JACK WILSHERE
The former Tottenham Hotspur man and the Arsenal loanee will get a chance to resume their mini-rivalry in very different circumstances. Both have shifted to middling clubs with the aim of getting more minutes and will get a chance to score one over the other in the weekend. Wilshere has struggled to find his feet sine his much talked about move and will be paid close attention to by Huddlestone tomorrow. Jack needs to find his feet and if he does so, he possesses the ability to run rings amongst the opposition defence, of which Hull will be well aware.
CALLUM WILSON VS CURTIS DAVIES
Wilson seems to be finding his feet gradually and there is a feeling he might finally be over his injury from last season. He has scored 2 goals this season but is looking more confident in front of goal.
Hull City will realise they need to nick some points from this match and for anything of that sort to happen, Curtis Davies has to be alert in nullifying Wilson’s threat. Too much attention on Wilshere might afford the required amount of space to Wilson and it is something Mike Phelan would have briefed his boys on.
ROBERT SNODGRASS VS CHARLIE DANIELS
Robert Snodgrass is known to be their most potent goal threat and the job of keeping him in check will go to Daniels tomorrow. The English national has failed to replicate his previous season’s form as of yet and Saturday will be a good start at that. His might have to curb his attacking instincts with Snodgrass’s penchant for long range efforts and dribbling skills calling for close attention.
