Predicted 4-4-2 Bournemouth line-up to face Southampton in the Premier League
It has been a fairytale start to the Premier League season for Bournemouth and the Cherries currently sit 6th in the standings with five wins from eight games.
The Cherries will make the trip to the St. Mary’s Stadium to face Southampton on Saturday and Eddie Howe’s side will be looking to build on their bright start to the season.
The Saints, on the other hand, have endured a lacklustre start to the season and Mark Hughes’ side will have their work cut out against a Bournemouth team high on confidence after thrashing Watford 4-0 before the international break.
Team News
There are no notable injury concerns for Bournemouth barring the thigh injury to Ryan Fraser. He was sent back from the Scotland camp in the international break after he failed a fitness test and his inclusion is subject to a late fitness test. Joshua King too is a doubt and will undergo a late fitness test.
Left-back Charlie Daniels (knee) is closing in on a return, while midfielder Kyle Taylor (calf) also continues his rehabilitation.
Probable Bournemouth XI
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Eddie Howe
Asmir Begovic (GK)
The veteran has been in good form for the Cherries and is expected to start on Saturday.
Simon Francis (RB)
The veteran is still going strong at 33 and there is no reason why Howe shouldn’t continue to pick him.
Nathan Ake (CB)
The Dutchman has established himself as one of the mainstays in the heart of Bournemouth’s defence and is expected to start against Southampton.
Steven Cook (CB)
He has developed a good understanding with Ake at the back and has put in some solid displays in the heart of the defence.
Adam Smith (CB)
He has contributed equally to both the attack and the defence and remains a valuable member of the backline.
Junior Stanislas (LM)
The influential winger scored the penalty against Crystal Palace which gave the Cherries all three points and he is expected to start ahead of Ryan Fraser, who might not be fit enough to make it to the starting eleven.
Lewis Cook (RCM)
The English international has been quite flawless with his passing in central midfield and Howe should hand him a start ahead of Andrew Surman.
Jefferson Lerma (LCM)
The Colombian has established himself as a key figure for the Cherries in central midfield. His aerial prowess, strong tackling and effective game-reading ability will hold the key to their success once again.
David Brooks (RM)
The youngster has taken the Premier League by storm since his arrival this summer. He has already chipped in with a couple of goals and continues to be a key figure in the midfield for Bournemouth.
Read More: Bournemouth’s promising 21-year-old has all the tools to succeed in the Premier League
Lys Mousset (RS)
With Josh King a doubt for the game, Lys Mousset should get a start alongside the in-form Callum Wilson.
Callum Wilson (LS)
The Englishman has already contributed with 3 goals and 4 assists, and the manager will want him to make a major impact at the weekend.
