After back to back draws against Newcastle United and Leicester City, Bournemouth, who are comfortably placed in the 12th place in the points table, will now face a tricky test against Tottenham Hotspur, who travel to Vitality Stadium this weekend. Spurs were knocked out of the Champions League earlier this week and might be low on confidence and Eddie Howe’s side have a chance at picking some points from this game.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men are unbeaten since the turn of the year in the domestic league and will not be easy to beat but the Cherries will go into this game with a positive outlook and here is the predicted lineup Howe might field for this tie:
Team News:
Tyrone Mings remains the only player unavailable for this game against Spurs. Bournemouth are set to welcome back Ryan Fraser, who has been nursing a knock recently. Marc Pugh and Jordon Ibe are doubtful for this game and might not be risked.
Expected lineup (4-4-2):
Defence:
Though not at his best, Asmir Begovic remains the first choice GK for Bournemouth and he should keep his place under the bar this weekend. The Cherries have stuck to a fixed CB partnership as both Steve Cook and Nathan Ake have done extremely well, even against the best in the league. They will, however, have their work cut out against the likes of Harry Kane in this tie.
Adam Smith did not disappoint in his start at left-back in the previous game and could keep his place in that role while Simon Francis is expected to start at right-back
Midfield:
Charlie Daniels put in a decent shift in the midfield against Leicester and could start in a similar role this weekend. He should be partnered with Dan Gosling, who had a tough time in the previous round.
Joshua King picked up a goal in that game, starting on the left side of the midfield. He is expected to keep his place in the side after that performance while Lewis Cook, who did no harm to his reputation, should start on the right side of the midfield in this game.
Attack:
Junior Stanislas has slowly picked up some form and could be the man Bournemouth turn to, for creativity in the final third. He needs to have a good game if the Cherries are to take anything from this tie.
Callum Wilson, who did not last the whole game at King Power, could be restored in one of the attacking roles.
Here is how they might line up:
