Bournemouth play host Wolves in their fifth Premier League match of the season, just a day after sacking manager Scott Parker. The Cherries were the recipients of a 9-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool on Saturday, with Parker's post-match comments raising eyebrows.
After the game, Parker said: "There is no denying we are under-equipped at this level."
In the club's official statement confirming his sacking, owner Maxim Demin stated that everyone ‘must also show belief in and respect for one another’.
Gary O'Neil will take over for Wednesday's game, with Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick supporting.
Wolves head into the game after conceding a late equaliser against Newcastle on Sunday. After spending £106.5 million so far this transfer window, pressure is starting to grow on Bruno Lage. Wolves remain without a league win since April 2nd.
Just two Premier League goals in four games has concerned fans, with many feeling their attack has the quality to provide a significantly higher output. Dropped points on the south coast could see the majority of supporters lose faith in Lage's methods.
The sides haven't faced each other since June 2020, when Wolves ran out 1-0 victors in the second game of Project Restart.
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Team News
With the big news breaking from the dugout, it is easy to forget about which players will take to the field on Wednesday night. It is anybody's guess as to how O'Neil will set up in midweek.
Rotation would not come as a surprise after such an alarming defeat, although Bournemouth's best side may be an unchanged one.
Captain Lloyd Kelly missed Saturday's defeat with an abductor injury, and may be in line to return against Wolves. Parker described Wednesday's game as ‘touch and go’ for the club captain.
Ben Pearson was substituted just five minutes after entering the pitch at Anfield and is expected to miss the Wolves clash.
There are no fresh injury concerns for the visitors heading into the midweek fixtures, although Willy Boly is expected to depart the club for Nottingham Forest in the coming days. Lage revealed the Ivorian defender failed to turn up to Molineux on Sunday after being named in the matchday squad. Luke Cundle has also departed on loan, heading to Swansea City, freeing up a spot on the bench.
Lage may look to rotate his wide players. Daniel Podence only made the bench on Sunday and will be hoping to return to the starting side this week. Rayan Ait Nouri will be hopeful that he can also return at left back, although Nelson Semedo's strong performance against Allan Saint-Maximin leaves him with little chance.
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Likely Line-ups
Travers; Mepham, Kelly, Senesi; Smith, Cook, Lerma, Zemura; Anthony, Moore, Tavernier (3-4-3)
Sa; Semedo, Collins, Kilman, Jonny; Neves, Moutinho, Nunes; Guedes, Jimenez, Neto (4-3-3)
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Key Players
Kieffer Moore's rise to the top has been a sensational story. After starting off in non-league, and even a short move to Norway, he has finally made it to the Premier League. The Welshman has found himself as Bournemouth's key figure in attack, after returning from a broken foot sustained just days into his time on the south coast.
Moore's opening day goal against Aston Villa proves he is capable of finding the net at this level. After three tough games against European opposition, Moore will be eyeing Wolves as a game to get his goal scoring exploits back on track.
In a wild turn of events, Ruben Neves is entering his sixth season at Molineux, now as club captain. The 25-year-old has been perennially linked with a move away from the West Midlands, but Wolves have managed to retain their grip on the Portuguese international.
A top tier performance against Newcastle at the weekend suggests that Neves' abilities should be showcased at a higher level. Long range passing combined with smart defensive capabilities mean that Lage is able to build a team around his star man. Another good performance on Wednesday may be too much for Bournemouth to handle.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is 7:30pm, Wednesday 31st August.
How can I watch?
The game will be shown live on BT Sport 5 or at BTSport.com.