Bournemouth will be full of motivation when they visit the Wembley Stadium to take on a spirited Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs are yet to win a match at their makeshift home and this could be their best chance to salvage full three points given the recent form of the Cherries.
Eddie Howe’s side surprised all by their slick attacking football last season and they managed to grab a top ten place. But this season, they seemed to have lost their momentum as they have just one win from their first seven matches.
The way Spurs are playing, especially the kind of form Harry Kane has produced in the last few matches, it would need a miraculous performance from the Cherries to stop Spurs’ wagon wheel. However, Bournemouth may have a decent chance as Spurs’ performance at the Wembley has been very poor over the years.
Mauricio Pochettino has denied the Wembley “hoodoo” but any loss of points in this match would only justify the ongoing myth.
Predicted 4-4-2 Bournemouth Starting Lineup Against Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
Asmir Begovic will start the proceedings from the Cherries goal. The Bosnian international arrived from Chelsea in the summer but hasn’t been able to reproduce the kind of form for which the Cherries brought him at the Vitality Stadium.
Nathan Ake has failed to some extent to fulfil his promise and will be very keen to prove a point. Simon Francis should accompany him in the Cherries backline. The 32-year-old will be well aware of Harry Kane’s threat.
Adam Smith will be in the right back position while Charlie Daniels will be stepping up from the left side.
Midfield
Andrew Surman will be at the helm of the midfield. The 31-year-old will try to soak up the pressure in the middle of the pitch and Howe will rely on him heavily.
Given Arter’s experience, he should start this game instead of Lewis Cook. The midfield engine can work tirelessly and should complement the work of Surman.
Attack
Junior Stanislas has been a livewire on the pitch and much will be depending on how he performs in this crucial match. Howe will unleash him from the right flank.
Jordan Ibe has shown his ability as he churned out some very good performance in a number of matches and will start from the left flank. Jermain Defoe will spearhead the attack Josh King might not make it to the match so Benik Afobe should start beside Defoe.
Here is how they might line up:
