Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth host lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers in a FA Cup Fifth Round tie, with both sides having met only seven days prior in the league.
A goal from Matheus Cunha was the difference in the Premier League tie and saw Wolves take all three points home to the Midlands – a disappointing defeat in difficult circumstances for the Cherries.
But coming into the FA Cup fixture, hopes are high that the players can right the wrongs of the defeats to both Wolves and Brighton and reach the Quarter-Finals for only the third time in the club’s history.
Bournemouth have registered plenty of impressive away wins against their weekend opponents in recent years but have not won against Wolves at home for ten years.
So, will the Cherries finally break the losing cycle?
-
The return of Evanilson
Since Evanilson’s injury after the Everton game, makeshift striker Dango Ouattara has stepped up brilliantly, registering seven goal contributions in nine games across all competitions.
His tireless running, intelligent movement and ability to press defenders have mirrored much of what Evanilson brings to the side, turning him into an excellent replacement.
However, recent matches have highlighted the need for a natural striker, and Bournemouth fans may not have to wait much longer for their main man to return.
Evanilson’s surprisingly speedy recovery saw him named on the bench for last week’s Wolves game, a welcome boost for Andoni Iraola’s squad.
He even made a brief cameo in the Brighton match, offering a glimpse of his quality by latching onto a long ball and winning a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box — an area of his game that is crucial to how Bournemouth build attacks and relieve pressure.
His ability to hold up play, link up with teammates and stretch defences has been sorely missed in recent fixtures and whilst it remains unclear how fit he is, Evanilson is expected to gain more minutes against Wolves.
A starting role may be unlikely, but his presence on the pitch is expected and could end up being key.
Having already made history by winning three penalties in one game against Wolves at Molineux earlier this season, he will be eager to make his mark once again and his return could not have come at a better time for Bournemouth as they push forward in both the FA Cup and Premier League.
-
Bouncing back from consecutive defeats
Bournemouth enter this FA Cup clash looking to bounce back after a tough week that saw them suffer two narrow defeats, both by a single goal.
Against their cup opponents, Wolves, the Cherries suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League, which dented their push for European football.
That game was shaped by a controversial red card for Illia Zabarnyi, whose dismissal following a VAR review left Bournemouth battling with ten men for a large part of the game.
Despite the disadvantage, they remained competitive, creating chances but ultimately falling short as Cunha’s goal proved to be the difference.
A few days later, the Cherries travelled to the Amex Stadium, hoping to respond, but another maddening night saw them lose 2-1 to Brighton.
Lapses in concentration proved costly, and whilst Bournemouth created chances, they lacked the clinical edge to take something from the game.
Despite back-to-back defeats, Bournemouth have shown resilience all season, and this FA Cup tie presents the perfect opportunity to respond.
Adding further motivation is the chance to exact revenge on Wolves, who took three points at Dean Court just a week ago.
With a Quarter-Final place on the line, the Cherries will be eager to match their best-ever FA Cup run and put recent disappointments behind them, returning to winning ways.
Fans can take confidence knowing these losses were more about fine margins than poor performances—something they will be determined to show.
-
Defence must be organised
Just as Bournemouth appeared to be overcoming their squad depth crisis, Zabarnyi’s red card against Wolves forced another defensive reshuffle for Head Coach Iraola.
His suspension saw Lewis Cook shifted from midfield to right-back once again, alongside James Hill, who returned to the lineup from injury.
Against Brighton, the same makeshift backline was deployed, with Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez completing the defensive lineup—a setup likely to continue for the FA Cup clash.
With another defensive change, Bournemouth must remain disciplined, especially against Cunha, who has scored in Wolves’ last two visits to the Vitality Stadium, including their recent win last Saturday.
His movement and finishing ability make him a key threat once again, so concentration is key for the full 90 minutes and possibly beyond.
But despite the reshuffle, there is confidence in Bournemouth’s ability to cope.
Both Hill and Cook have stepped up well, and while not a natural right-back, Cook has already impressed in the role.
Wolves’ pace and organised attacking style under Vítor Pereira will pose a challenge, but Bournemouth have shown they can compete.
If they stay compact and composed, an FA Cup Quarter-Final place is completely within reach.
-
Winterburn to continue his cup run?
Academy prospect Ben Winterburn has featured in both of Bournemouth’s FA Cup ties against West Brom and Everton, impressing fans and Iraola with his tenacious performances.
The young midfielder has adapted well to Iraola’s demanding system, showing great pressing ability, intelligent movement, and a willingness to drive forward when needed.
His aggression and composure in midfield have justified his selection, particularly in a role that requires both high footballing intelligence and relentless stamina–shown by the likes of Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook.
However, with Alex Scott now back from injury, Winterburn’s place in the starting XI is under threat.
Cook is expected to continue at right-back, whilst Christie remains a doubt, leaving a potential opening in midfield.
Adams and Scott are both fit, meaning Iraola has several options at his disposal for the two central positions.
Whilst Winterburn may not be guaranteed a start, his recent performances have put him in strong contention and whether it is from the start or off the bench, his energy and work rate could be crucial in helping Bournemouth progress.
Regardless of who Iraola selects, the Cherries have the depth and quality in midfield to compete and control the game come Saturday afternoon, helping guide the team to further cup progression.
