Matchday Live: Bournemouth v Tottenham

Lineup News

This lineup isn’t quite how we predicted it, but it makes a lot of sense.

Both first choice full-backs return despite their being some question about Danny Rose’s fitness midweek.

Ahead of them, unsurprisingly, is the indomitable Victor Wanyama. He’s joined by Mousa Dembélé in central midfield. The Belgian’s presence here suggests that Pochettino is expecting Bournemouth to put up a fight in midfield.

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It’s in the attack where Pochettino’s expectations for this match really flesh out though. Last season’s preferred attacking midfield three of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Érik Lamela are there, and they’re positioned right behind Heung-min Son.

In theory, it was supposed to be Janssen there. His form of late has improved even if it hasn’t yet yielded any goals.

Instead, Pochettino names Son. There’s a logic to this. With Bournemouth playing at home and never much inclined to sit back and defend, Pochettino expects for Son to find room to run into. We can expect a hard pressing effort, one that has exposed this Bournemouth team in the past.

Those anxious about how dangerous Bournemouth might be are people set a little more at ease with this lineup. Joshua King comes in for Junior Stanislas, who is an unexpected scratch. The Englishman has scored three goals and set up two assists in five appearances this season, and was set to be their dangerman against Tottenham today.

That said, there are still plenty of reasons to be wary. Callum Wilson is hitting his stride, and Jordan Ibe could be a gamechanger.

Stay tuned to this space for reactions at half-time!