After the demoralizing defeat to Juventus to go out of the CL, it is going to be difficult to lift the team. Our mental strength is going to be in real test in this match. We need to recover fast for this match if we want to finish in top 4 this season. We have an excellent record against Bournemouth, winning 4 and drawing 1 of our matches against them. But we did draw 0-0 at Bournemouth last season which later affected our league title chance. So, we need to do much better there this season if we want to stay in the top 4 race.
Kane has not been at his best in recent matches. It was disappointing that he didn't score against Juventus when we badly needed him. We need him to get back his best form in this match. Kane scored the hattrick when we beat Bournemouth 5-1 2 years ago. Hope he can reproduce that form in this match. Apart from Kane, we will need others like Son, Alli and Eriksen to lift their game and help us get a goal or two as well. Somehow, I feel we should drop Alli and start Lamela instead. Alli has not scored in 15 matches and has not been in good form recently. Also, want to see Moura get some playing time in this match as well.
It is good that we have many options in midfield now. Want to see Wanyama start with Dembele in this match. Wanyama has not played much recently. It will be nice to see him partnering Dembele in this match. Somehow feel Sissoko should get involved in this match as well. He has been poor in recent matches. But I think Sissoko might do well against Bournemouth.
Our defence have not been tight ever since Alderweireld got injured. We have been conceding too many soft goals since then. Wish Alderweireld can be back for this match. If not, want to see Sanchez and Vertonghen have an error-free match. We have not kept too many clean sheets this season. With due respect to Bournemouth, it will be disappointing if we don't keep the clean sheet in this match.
Surely, this is a must-win match for us if we want to stay in the top 4 race. We will need a good performance and a convincing win to lift our morale after the CL exit. Let's hope we will turn up with the right team and mentality to beat Bournemouth and improve our chances to finish in top 4 this season.