Thursday 4th December 8:15pm
Bournemouth:
Although the Cherries lie in the bottom half of the league, they are only a win away from being in the European places as the gap between 4th and 13th is razor thin. Bournemouth, like Spurs have been unpredictable this season, defeating top sides like Arsenal and Manchester City but also suffering from inconsistency, with seven wins in their last 20 games. Recent losses to Brighton and Brentford have dampened their momentum after a strong run, but playing at home could be a morale boost. The Cherries will be looking to build on their 4-2 win at Wolves last weekend, in what was an assured and commanding away win.
In Andoni Iraola they have a young exciting manager who is on the radar of many bigger clubs. He has brought a more disciplined, counter-attacking style, which could test Spurs’ high-possession game. Bournemouth could see the return of Luis Sinisterra, but Julian Araujo and Alex Scott remain out. Can the Spaniard mastermind another victory against North London opposition?
Tottenham Hotspur:
It has been a topsy turvy season for Spurs where they have normally followed a strong performance with a weak one. They were underwhelming at home last weekend against Fulham in a drab 1-1 draw. Ange Postecoglou will rightly point to a squad depleted by injury and suspension with many key players unavailable to him. Spurs had just two players on their bench last time out who’d ever started a Premier League game and are likely to have a similar squad available for this match.
Dominic Solanke was taken ill before Spurs last game and is expected to return for this match. He was Bournemouth’s talisman last season before his £55m move to Tottenham in the summer. Whilst his goal return has been reduced this season his performances for Spurs have been very good and his constant pressing and ability to bring others in to play are evident for all to see. He is likely to want to put in a strong performance in front of a crowd who gave him so much support during his 5 years with the club.
Key Players
Bournemouth
Justin Kluivert is Bournemouth’s top scorer this season with 5 goals. He fired in a penalty hat-trick last time out against Wolves and will be keen to add to his tally in this match. Kluivert has had several moves in his career but looks to have finally established the form and level that has been expected since his youth career. Kluivert can play either on the wing or through the middle and will relish the opportunity to run at a makeshift Spurs defence.
Tottenham Hotspur
Dejan Kulusevski was rested last time out, only entering the fray in the latter stages of the match. He has been in irresistible form this season, and in his new central role has added a level of creativity and influence on a match that he was unable to display whilst out wide. If, as expected he starts tonight’s game then I expect he will look to take the game to Bournemouth. With willing runners either side of him in Johnson, and Son, Kulusevski should play a key role in Spurs establishing control in the game and asserting the fluid football that Postecoglou demands of his troops.
Tip:
Kulusevski first goalscorer [11/1]