Eddie Howe has a wealth of options in midfield, but can he halt Everton’s flying start to the season?
As Bournemouth prepare to host Everton this weekend, Eddie Howe will be keen to move on from midweek’s disappointing home loss to Championship side Preston North End with a home victory over high-flying Everton.
The Cherries face an in-form Everton side who currently boast second spot in the Premier League with 13 points from a possible 15. Meanwhile, the Dorset-based club linger precariously above the drop zone with just four points from their opening five fixtures.
Howe rung the changes in Bournemouth’s midweek EFL cup match, and will therefore not be hindered by heavy legs, with a number of his first-team regulars enjoying a break after a comprehensive defeat to league leaders Manchester City.
Howe did reveal to BBC Sport that “there are a couple of injury issues” in the Bournemouth camp, but refused to disclose any names.
Artur Boruc is likely to start in goal, completing a regular back five; with Adam Smith and Charlie Daniels flanking captain Simon Francis and central defensive partner Steve Cook.
Dan Gosling will be hoping for a start after grabbing a goal in midweek, but with deadline-day signing Jack Wilshere brought in for just this sort of occasion, you have to feel the Arsenal man will get the nod in the centre of the park.
Wilshere is likely to partner Andrew Surman and Harry Arter in the middle, leaving Gosling to make his impact from the bench.
A returning Callum Wilson will shift Josh King to the wing, with record signing Jordan Ibe operating on the opposite side of an attacking trio.
Junior Stanislas will likely revert to the bench after starting in the 4-0 loss to Manchester City, with Max Gradel and Benik Afobe also offering attacking options from the bench.
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