An in-form Bournemouth take on Fulham, who will be desperate to get things back on track at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday.
Dominic Solanke was the hero against Nottingham Forest as Andoni Iraola’s men secured another vital victory on their road to redemption. The win over newly-appointed Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was the third on the bounce for Bournemouth, pushing them into the top 12th in the standings ahead of the meeting with Fulham this midweek.
Despite going a man down early on in somewhat controversial circumstances, Forest still managed to take the lead. Two quick goals from Solanke got Bournemouth into the lead, only for Chris Wood to equalise. It then took a late injury-time header from the striker to secure three points and his hat-trick that led to the celebrations in the away stands.
The Cherries claimed their high-octane victory over Manchester United some days ago. Yet, the players must have had the horrific scenes of Luton captain Tom Lockyer going down with a cardiac arrest fresh in their minds. Now, Iraola’s side will look for another positive result against Fulham.
Marco Silva would have asked several questions of his Fulham stars after another below-par display against relegation-threatened Burnley. The Cottagers have displayed strange form of late, as some of their recent results will testify.
After stellar 5-0 wins over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United, they lost to Newcastle before booking a historic semi-final berth in the EFL Cup via a penalty shootout against Everton. Then they returned to the same old form as relegation-threatened Burnley got the better of them.
The loss left Fulham behind the next opponent, Bournemouth, as they needed a win to leapfrog the Cherries. Silva will demand consistency from his players more than anything at this stage, and this squad has the quality to put in some stellar performances if they can gel.
Team News & Tactics
Bournemouth
Despite their stellar form that includes three consecutive victories, the Cherries are without a host of first-team stars for the next few games. As many as six players are missing from action, while four others have significant doubts.
Lewis Cook was the latest to hobble off with a groin problem against Nottingham Forest and has a race against time to come back fit for this encounter. Milos Kerkez and Darren Randolph will also undergo late checks to determine their position ahead of the game.
Dango Ouattara will continue at left-back alongside a central partnership of Illia Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi. Adam Smith should continue at right back. Joe Rothwell and Ryan Christie are best placed to take control of the Bournemouth midfield as they must perform well against Joao Palhinha of Fulham.
In the attack, Dominic Solanke indeed leads the line without a shadow of a doubt and will have Luis Sinisterra and Marcus Tavernier on either wing for support. Behind him, David Brooks could take up that No.10 role to pull the strings in the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Ouattara; Rothwell, Christie; Sinisterra, Brooks, Tavernier; Solanke
Fulham
Marco Silva must make changes to determine why his side is not performing to their level. They will be without the suspended Raul Jimenez, who will serve the last of his three-match ban and Tim Ream. The defender remains sidelined with a calf problem.
In his place, contract rebel Tosin Adarabioyo will continue to marshall the backline alongside Calvin Bassey. Tete and Antonee Robinson will continue to operate from their entire defensive positions.
Harrison Reed should be well-placed to play in midfield alongside Joao Palhinha. The pair will be crucial in this clash, as Bournemouth are tricky customers. Further up front, Willian missed out against Burnley and should swiftly return to replace Alex Iwobi. Andreas Pereira, Harry Wilson and Carlos Vinicius should complete the attacking setup.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Bassey, Adarabioyo, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Willian, Pereira, Wilson; Vinicius
Key Stats
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 10 of Bournemouth’s last 12 games in the Premier League.
- Bournemouth have scored at least two goals in their last six matches in the Premier League.
- Bournemouth have won five of their last six matches in the Premier League.
- Fulham have lost each of their last two games in the Premier League.
- Fulham have scored 10 goals in their last four Premier League games but none in their last two.
Player to Watch
Dominic Solanke
The hat-trick hero at the weekend will come into this game with fresh vigour to make the best of his current form. Solanke has been imperious in Bournemouth’s recent rise under Andoni Iraola but will also want to keep his feet on the ground and put in consistent displays.
This may also be the best time to play Fulham in their current form, as Solanke can again be the catalyst in determining which direction this result will travel in. Meanwhile, he must also prove his doubters wrong, who have said he cannot play at this level consistently, something he would want to answer against Fulham with his goals.
Prediction
Fulham 1-2 Bournemouth
Had it been the start of the season or any other campaign, Fulham would have been clear favourites coming into this clash. The Cottagers have been inconsistent for the best part of this season, and they are now facing an in-form Bournemouth.
The Cherries are in a special vein of form and a force to reckon with. Hence, their momentum will play a significant role, and despite a raft of injuries, Iraola remains unfazed and focused on his task ahead. There is no other way than a Bournemouth victory here, as they could put more pressure on Silva.
