Last time out, Everton suffered their first defeat in 5 with a 2-0 loss to high-flying Nottingham Forest. The result put a dampener on the impending takeover of the club which was announced just days before the game.
With Ipswich Town enjoying a 2-0 victory over Chelsea, the blues now sit only 2 points outside the relegation zone ahead of their trip to the south coast.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, will be hoping for 3 points in order to keep their hopes of European Football for next season within touching distance.
The previous meeting between the two teams saw Andoni Iraola's side victorious with a 3-2 win despite Everton being 2-0 up as late as the 87th minute. Sean Dyche will be looking to get revenge on the embarassing defeat he suffered last time out.
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Team News
Everton
Dwight McNeil is not expected to be available for EFC after suffering an injury in his side's 4-0 win over Wolves at the start of December.
Seamus Coleman returned to the starting line-up in Ashley Young's absence against Manchester City due to the Englishman receiving 5 yellow cards, but Everton's captain will also not be available this weekend.
Long-term absentees Tim Iroegbunum and James Garner are both ruled out for this gameweek, whilst Nathan Patterson looks to have returned to full fitness and is in contention to start.
Bournemouth
Justin Kluivert will serve his suspension after recieving his 5th yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace.
Marcos Senesi, Julian Araujo and Adam Smith are all likely to not feature in the Cherries squad against Everton due to injury concerns.
Marcus Tavernier, Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott and Tyler Adams all also face late fitness tests ahead of the game, which may provide the blues with a boost.
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Likely Lineups
Everton
Pickford; Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Young; Mangala, Gana-Gueye; Ndiaye, Doucoure, Lindstorm; Broja.
Bournemouth
Kepa; Kerkez, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Hill; Cook, Billing; Semenyo, Christie, Outtara; Evanilson.
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Key Players
Everton - Orel Mangala
Although Jordan Pickford and Illiman Ndiaye have stolen the limelight in recent weeks, Orel Mangala has been quietly having a standout season for the blues.
Playing alongside veteran midfielder, Idrissa Gana Gueye, the Belgian international has begun to control games, pulling strings and making strong drives into the opposition half which has helped his side move further forward with much more fluidity.
Everton have a real decision to make on the 26-year-old in the summer, with an option to make his loan move permanent from French side Olympique Lyon.
Bournemouth - Dean Huijsen
In an extremely impressive season so far for Bournemouth, there are a number of players that would be seen as standouts thus far. Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert and Evanilson all have at least 5 goals this campaign and are well on their way to hit double figures.
However, Dean Huijsen will likely cause Everton the most problems with his defensive reliability and the blues' inability to find the back of the net.
The Spanish centre back joined the Cherries during the summer transfer window from Italian giants, Juventus after a successful season-long loan spell at AS Roma.
Since joining, the 19-year-old has helped to revolutionise Raiola's side and is a key reason that they sit 7th in the Premier League going into 2025.
He has formed an immense partnership with Illia Zabarnyi at centre half, and has proven himself to be a worthy replacement for the injured Marcos Senesi.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at the Vitality Stadium - Home of AFC Bournemouth since 1910.
What time is kick-off?
Kick off is at 3:00PM GMT, on Staurday 4th January.
How can I watch?
The match will not be available to watch in the UK due to the 3PM blackout rule, however, highlights will be available on Match of the Day on BBC 1 at 22:20PM on Saturday evening.
