Tottenham only managed a 1-1 draw at home to Fulham on Sunday as they failed to build on the impressive 4-0 away win at Manchester City. Brennan Johnson put the Lilywhites ahead early in the second half before midfielder Tom Cairney bagged an equaliser just over ten minutes later. However, just 16 minutes after scoring, Cairney was sent off following a challenge on Dejan Kulusevski.
Tottenham’s injury list has definitely hindered the side but it is hard to overlook that Spurs have been incredibly inconsistent this season.
Bournemouth head into the match off the back of a big win against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday. It was an eventful opening 20 minutes in Wolverhampton, with the score being 3-1 by the 18th minute.
The game finished 4-2, with Justin Kluivert netted a hat-trick of penalties and Hungarian defender Milos Kerkez bagging the other for the South coast side. Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand-Larsen scored both of Wolves’ goals.
Historically, the Cherries don’t have the best record against Spurs in the Premier League - losing ten and only winning two since 2016. However, Bournemouth have already defeated both Arsenal and Manchester City at the Vitality this season so they will definitely pose a threat to this injury-riddled Tottenham team.
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Team News
The Cherries will welcome back Antoine Semenyo as he returns from a one match ban after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Brighton.
Luis Sinisterra, Julian Araujo and Alex Scott all remain unavailable for Bournemouth.
Tottenham’s injury list is a big one as both first choice centre-backs are out of action. Micky Van de Ven hasn’t featured for Spurs since coming off in Tottenham’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Manchester City at the end of October. Cristian Romero picked up a toe injury whilst on international duty with Argentina last month and hasn’t played for Spurs since.
Ex-Bournemouth man Dominic Solanke is a doubt for his return to the Vitality. The striker arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday before Spurs faced Fulham but he was subsequently sent home after feeling under the weather.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is out of action until February at the earliest after suffering an ankle injury so Fraser Forster will likely remain in the Tottenham net.
Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are also unlikely to feature.
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Likely Lineups
AFC Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
Kepa; Smith, Zarbarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3)
Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Johnson
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Key Players
AFC Bournemouth - Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo has become one of Bournemouth's key players this season thanks to his versatility, work rate, and attacking threat. As a forward, his ability to play across the front line - whether as a central striker or on the wing - provides manager Andoni Iraola with tactical flexibility.
The Ghanaian forward’s direct running and sharp movement off the ball have made him a valuable asset in counter-attacking situations, while his link-up play with Bournemouth’s midfielders has improved the team’s attacking fluidity. Semenyo also offers a robust pressing game, frequently winning possession high up the pitch and contributing defensively. He will be a problem against Spurs’ weakened defence.
Tottenham Hotspur - Dejan Kulusevski
The Swedish international has been by far Spurs’ best player this season, whether he’s playing in the number 10 role or at right winger. Kulusevski is an outstanding ball carrier and often picks up the ball deep and drives forward, directly through the opposition defence. Due to his large stature, Kulusevski is able to use his body to his advantage when dribbling.
The Swede netted in Spurs’ 2-0 win last season at the Vitality and he will be looking to get on the goal sheet again tomorrow.
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Match Details
Where is the match being played?
The match is being held at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.
What time is kick off?
AFC Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur kicks off at 20:15 GMT on Thursday, 5 December.
How to watch?
You can watch the match live on Amazon Prime with coverage starting at 19:30 GMT.
