Bournemouth vs Leeds United: Can the Whites Stop the Cherries’ Winning Run?
Leeds United travel to Bournemouth tomorrow afternoon in search of their first victory since September’s emphatic 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle United. Unfortunately, the hosts appear to have remembered how to play football at precisely the wrong time for Daniel Farke’s side.
The Cherries endured a difficult start to life under Marco Rose, a manager whose name had previously been mentioned in connection with the Leeds job when sections of the fanbase were calling for Farke’s dismissal. However, whatever problems Bournemouth experienced during those opening weeks appear to have been addressed rather emphatically. Five consecutive victories across three different competitions, fourteen goals scored and not a single one conceded. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a side who initially struggled to find their feet under their new manager, and they’ll be looking to make it six wins on the bounce tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Leeds arrive on the south coast still searching for a way to rediscover the form that saw them dismantle Newcastle at Elland Road. And if Bournemouth’s recent results are anything to go by, they couldn’t have picked a much more awkward time to visit the Vitality Stadium. Leeds have become something of the kings of the draw this calendar year, and you suspect our defence will need to be at its very best for the full 90 minutes if we’re to come away with anything this weekend. We’ve looked rather blunt in attack over recent weeks, although there is some welcome news on the injury front, with both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor surviving the training week. Anton Stach, however, continues to struggle with a foot injury, according to Farke, which could hand Harry Wilson another opportunity to make an impression. Whether he takes it is another matter entirely, given his rather underwhelming contributions so far.
One thing’s for sure, don’t expect to see Jean-Mattéo Bahoya this weekend. Farke delivered his best Marcelo Bielsa impression during his Halloween press conference, launching into a lengthy explanation of why supporters shouldn’t be getting carried away with expectations surrounding the young Frenchman. Poor Isaac Johnson of Leeds Live found himself on the receiving end of something resembling a dressing-down for having the audacity to ask about him, with Farke even seeking clarification on what exactly he was being asked. Next time, perhaps Isaac should try something a little more straightforward, like: “Why do you keep playing Brenden Aaronson when he’s clearly fucking shit?”
The Cherries
Unfortunately, Bournemouth have become another of those really frustrating Premier League clubs. You know the ones. Good recruitment, good coaching, and fantastically well run. All very irritating when you’re trying to find reasons to dislike them.
They’re now enjoying a historic spell in which, over the space of just six days, Cherries supporters have watched their side beat Italian giants AC Milan in the Europa League, Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League, and Aston Villa in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. All three matches finished 3-0. Not bad, right?
It’s a remarkable turnaround considering their difficult start under Marco Rose. Whatever the German has been doing on the training ground recently, it’s clearly working. Bournemouth have suddenly become a side who look capable of scoring at will while simultaneously refusing to concede anything at the other end. Fourteen goals without reply across their last five matches is the sort of form that makes you wish the international break was arriving about three weeks early.
Bournemouth vs Leeds United Team News
Alex Scott, Alex Toth and Julian Araujo remain sidelined with thigh injuries, while Veljko Milosavljevic (God bless you copy and paste) faces a late assessment as he works his way back from a knee problem.
There is better news for Bournemouth supporters regarding Eli Junior Kroupi, their leading goalscorer last season, who is available again following a lengthy absence. However, he’s not expected to be ready for a starting role just yet, meaning Evanilson should continue leading the line. The Brazilian has scored four times in his last five appearances, which is exactly the sort of statistic I don’t want to be writing the night before a game. Behind him, Bournemouth have plenty of options, with Marcus Tavernier, Justin Kluivert and Rayan all capable of causing problems. There’s also the possibility of some familiar faces in midfield, with former Leeds man Lewis Cook hoping to retain his place alongside either Ryan Christie or Tyler “The Rat” Adams.
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Cook; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Wilson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin
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