Bournemouth - Leicester City Preview: Goals galore at Dean Court?

With Leicester City in excellent form and Bournemouth finally scoring goals, the clash in the South West should be a compelling affair and both teams will be keen for the three points.

The two teams have started the new season in impressive fashion. Leicester City remain unbeaten under new manager Claudio Ranieri and have managed to pick up seven points out of a possible nine.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's men have gained plaudits in their maiden Premier League campaign. The Cherries played well against Liverpool and Aston Villa and were unlucky to come away with two losses. However they did gain their first win of the season against West Ham in an entertaining 4-3 victory.

26 years unbeaten

Leicester City do not only come into this clash in the superior current form (having not lost a game since April) but the Foxes have not lost to Bournemouth since 1989. In fact, throughout history, the two sides have only played each other nine times, with the Foxes gaining six victories. But, the upcoming clash is to be the first in the top-flight of English football.

In the previous meeting at Dean Court, the Foxes were able to gain a 1-0 victory, courtesy of veteran striker Kevin Phillips. The three points set the Foxes well on their way to gaining the Sky Bet Championship title. Supporters will be hopeful that another victory on Saturday afternoon will set them on their way to yet another target; 40 points and Premier League survival.

Despite the Foxes brilliant form this calendar year, there is reason to suggest that this clash will be extremely tight and competitive. In all of the previous contests between the two, victories have only been gained as a result of a one goal difference. So, with the two teams having scored eight goals between them on Tuesday night, this match may be a highlight for neutrals and pundits alike.

Former Foxes frightening fans?

As in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Claudio Ranieri and his team will have to wary of a few former players. Since his move from Saint Etienne in the summer, Max Gradel will be hoping to establish himself within the Bournemouth side. A product of the Leicester City youth academy, the Ivory Coast forward has impressed since departing the Midlands.

Having enjoyed spells at Leeds United and the aforementioned Saint Etienne, Gradel (27) has managed to plunder 67 goals and provide 33 assists throughout his distinguished career and was even the fourth-highest goal scorer in Ligue 1 last season (only behind the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Lacazette).

Another former player that the Foxes will have to keep an eye on is Frenchman Yann Kermorgant. The tall striker was only at the Midlands outfit for a short while but left a lasting impression, albeit a negative one. In a 2010 play-off semi-final against Cardiff City, the former Charlton Athletic frontman attempted 'Panenka' penalty and effectively ended the Foxes' hopes of back-to-back promotions.

Moreover, since leaving the Midlands, the 33 year-old striker has been a constant thorn in Leicester City's side. The hitman has managed to score three goals against his former side and has contributed to a number of losses for the Premier League outfit (a trend that has made him quite unpopular with the King Power Stadium faithful). Supporters will be hopeful that they can keep their former players quiet on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

Following impressive victories in the Capital One Cup for both sides, there could be a number of changes being made to the sides from Tuesday night. In previous Premier League games, Claudio Ranieri had mostly stuck with the same XI for all three clashes. However, following a number of impressive performances in the 4-1 victory over Bury, the 'Tinkerman' may be tempted to alter the team.

Midfielders Gokhan Inler and N'Golo Kante turned in extremely positive displays for their full debuts and some fans would argue that the two deserve their maiden start in the Premier League. However, one player who will definitely retain his place in the team is the constantly improving Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian managed to score yet another goal against Tottenham Hotspur and took his total to six strikes in as many Premier League games.

On the other hand, there could well be a surprise inclusion for the team against Bournemouth. Young winger Joe Dodoo helped himself to a hatrick against Bury and Ranieri has revealed that he will travel to the South Coast with the rest of the first team squad. Whether the Leicester academy product will be involved against Eddie Howe's men, remains to be seen.

However, the Cherries also have their own inform player as well. English striker Callum Wilson also gained a hatrick in the past week; in the 4-3 victory against West Ham. The 23 year-old striker, who scored 23 goals last season, will definitely retain his place in the team and will have to be closely marshalled by the Leicester defence.

Conversely, one player who will not be making an appearance against the Foxes is midfielder Harry Arter. The winger is still recovering from a hip injury and will not be fit enough in time for the game on Saturday afternoon.

Other than that, Eddie Howe may not be compelled to alter his time too much after witnessing impressive performances so far in his relatively short Premier League tenure.