£5m man set to start and Howe’s defensive dilemma – Predicted team vs Bournemouth
Ahead of today’s 2pm kick-off at the Vitality, it’s time to predict which side Eddie Howe will go with against his former club Bournemouth. Here’s what we’re going with and why:
With Fabian Schar suspended, it looks like we’ll see Emil Krafth come in alongside Dan Burn. Far from ideal, but the pair did help us see out that 1-0 win over Southampton and will need to step up again hre.
At left-back, Lewis Hall really struggled last weekend, where he was poor defensively, picked up an early yellow and had too many cheap giveaways in bad areas. I wouldn’t be all that surprised if Lloyd Kelly came in, but, for now at least, I think Howe will keep faith in Hall after his strong end to 2023/24 and impressive pre-season.
Tino Livramento is likely to keep his place at right-back and it may be another game where Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes are restricted to the bench, with Anthony Gordon and Joelinton set to get the nod again. The rest of the side picks itself for now, with this the final game before Sandro Tonali returns from a ban.
‘Sure’ – Striker set for unveiling in Newcastle United match after £40m deal agreed
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed the Brazilian will be involved against The Magpies (2pm kick-off) after arriving from Porto for a club record fee of £40million. The 24-year-old striker scored 25 goals in 42 games for the Portuguese club last season and has been capped by Brazil at international level.