Why the next four games could be invaluable for AFC Bournemouth

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Eddie Howe’s side have positioned themselves very well as we head into December – but that could all change fast.

Bournemouth have been the surprise package of the Premier League this season as they return from the international break in sixth place, two ahead of Manchester United and level on points.

That’s a testament to the brilliant work that Eddie Howe has done ever since winning promotion with the Cherries in 2015.

The likes of Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, and Josh King have particularly stood out – the former doing so well that he earned a first call-up to the England national team and scored on his debut against the USA.

Last season saw Burnley surprise everyone with a seventh place finish, even threatening to break into the top six at some stage, and that has naturally led to people wondering how Bournemouth could do this season – is European football possible?

Well, we should get a much better idea of how possible that is over the next four games.

Bournemouth host Arsenal at the weekend before travelling to champions Manchester City on December 1st. Three days later they host Huddersfield before welcoming Liverpool to Dean Court on the 8th.

That’s a run of four games in two weeks that will really show everyone what Bournemouth can achieve this season.

There’s very little chance of coming out of them with 12 points, seeing as they’re facing three of the most in-form teams around, and the visit of Huddersfield will surely prove tougher than usual given the two games that sandwich it.

Bournemouth are currently level on points with Watford and Manchester United, with Everton just one point behind in ninth and poor results in the next fortnight could see them fall off the pace in the chase for Europe.

Should they still be within touching distance, let alone still in sixth, Howe’s side will surely have the confidence and positioning to truly compete at the top end of the table for the rest of the season.

Navigating some of the toughest games of the season all at once can prove destructive, yes, but there’s always a chance that it instead proves to be the making of a side.

It’s no guarantee, of course, but with things so tight in the European places, the Christmas period could well prove key – and Bournemouth have four games to prepare themselves for it.