Bournemouth will look bounce back this weekend as they host Leicester City at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. Despite a 2:0 defeat to Chelsea, the Cherries have performed really well this season, registering two wins and one draw in the other three games.
Bournemouth are currently sixth in the league table and are above the likes of Manchester United, Everton and Arsenal. Eddie Howe’s side have played good attacking football but the clash against Leicester, who are just a point behind, will be a tough challenge.
Bournemouth Team news
Ryan Fraser and Charlie Daniels were both said to have missed the training and therefore, could miss out.
Mark Pugh and Junior Stanislas are also doubtful due to lack of match fitness. Pugh and Daniels will be assessed before the game.
Predicted Bournemouth Lineup
Defence
Asmir Begovic will remain in goal for Bournemouth. The former Chelsea keeper will be looking for his second clean sheet of the season after conceding two goals against his former club during the last game.
Eddie Howe is expected to revert to four-man backline this weekend due to the absence of several key players. Thus, we could see the old central defensive combination of Steve Cook and Nathan Ake.
Cook has made the joint most number of interceptions than any other Bournemouth player this summer and his ability to read the game could prove to be pivotal against Leicester.
New signing Diego Rico will replace Charlie Daniels in the left-back position if the latter fails to make the squad this weekend while Adam Smith will be deployed on the opposite flank.
Midfield
Da Gosling could retain his place at the base of Bournemouth’s 4-4-2 this weekend. The English midfielder has been an integral midfield figure for the Cherries so far this season and has also attempted more tackles than any other player in the team.
Gosling will line up with new signing Jefferson Lerma, whose defensive prowess could be crucial against the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Adrien Silva. David Brooks will be starting as the right-sided midfielder while Jordan Ibe will deputise for Ryan Fraser on the left flank.
Attack
The Bournemouth attack will be led by the duo of Joshua King and Callum Wilson. Both players have scored a combined three goals in four matches this season and their pace will be a potent weapon against Leicester City.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
