After back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, Andoni Iraola's AFC Bournemouth responded perfectly by defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers on penalties in the FA Cup.
Injuries and a populated schedule seemed to catch up with the Cherries with two quick and tough losses. Meanwhile, their recent trip to the Amex Stadium also derailed their seven-game unbeaten run away from home.
But with the return of players such as Evanilson, Luis Sinisterra, James Hill and Alex Scott, Iraola's squad strength has been boosted.
After a win over Wolves, Bournemouth will hope to rebuild the confidence and momentum that saw them go 11 games unbeaten in the league.
With just 11 games remaining and three points keeping them from fifth-placed Chelsea, the European dream is very much still on for the Spaniard's side, and with Spurs, Brentford and Ipswich next up in the league, it is going to be a big couple of weeks at the Vitality Stadium.
Additionally, as the Cherries sit in 7th place, they have almost swapped typical positions with this weekend's hosts.
Tottenham sit 13th in what has been a disappointing season in North London.
It is safe to say that it has not quite been the second season that Ange Postecoglou was hoping for at Spurs, falling as far as 15th in the table.
Despite their position, the Australian's side have scored the joint-second most goals in the Premier League (53) and won just one game fewer than in-form Brighton.
However, injuries have been the key in North London, with detrimental blows to several key players like record-signing Dominic Solanke.
In recent weeks, with James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario back in the team, the Lilywhites have been in slightly better form; winning three in a row in the Premier League before losing 1-0 to Manchester City.
Going into the weekend's fixture, Spurs will be hoping to take revenge on the Cherries and protect their home ground after losing 1-0 in the reverse fixture.
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Team News
Tottenham
Injury after injury has left Postecoglou frustrated this season, with the Australian often having to call upon youth or become creative with selection due to a diminished squad.
The Lilywhites were without 11 players in the January period, but now is a slightly different period as the club go into the weekend's fixture without six senior players.
In attack, Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski are sidelined after picking up calf and knee injuries, respectively.
Solanke returned from injury on Thursday night, being substituted on to face AZ Alkmaar, only to then be forced off and will also be absent with injury.
In defence, Ben Davies and Radu Drăgușin are both out nursing injuries. However, central defensive pair Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are back in contention after both being named on the bench in Thursday night's defeat.
AFC Bournemouth
As for the Cherries, Illia Zabarnyi remains out as he serves the final game for his three-game suspension for the red card that he received against Wolves.
Elsewhere, Enes Ünal and Marcos Senesi remain sidelined with long-term injuries, while Adam Smith remains doubtful as he gets closer to returning from injuries.
However, after returning to first-team training, Julián Araujo could be in contention for Sunday's matchday squad as the Mexican edges nearer to fitness after picking up a hamstring injury.
Ryan Christie is also a potential option for the Cherries after missing their FA Cup tie against Wolves. The Scot picked up a slight injury facing Brighton, but it is not considered major.
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Likely Lineups
Tottenham
Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bentacur, Bergvall, Maddison; Johnson, Son; Tel.
Bournemouth
Kepa; Cook, Hill, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.
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Key Players
Tottenham - Brennan Johnson
Going forward has never been an issue for Postecoglou's Tottenham.
Attack is their best form of defence and Brennan Johnson is the man leading the Lilywhites' scoring charts.
The Welshman has nine goals and two assists in 24 Premier League appearances this season, already scoring four more than in his debut season for the club.
The 23-year-old has been a standout throughout the season. His electrifying pace and direct playing style adds an impressive piece to an already menacing Tottenham attack.
Compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League, Johnson sits above 85% for goals and 58% for shot attempts, while also having a dribble success rate of 55.2%.
That being said, no player is safe from injuries in this Spurs side, and Johnson is no exception to that rule, missing a month of action from January to February.
Nevertheless, in the current state of play, the Welshman is back in action and back in form after netting a double in Tottenham's 4-1 win against Ipswich.
With Bournemouth this weekend's visitors, the 23-year-old will have to be on top form if the hosts are to earn a result.
AFC Bournemouth - Justin Kluivert
Several Bournemouth starters could be named as the key player after a fantastic season for the Cherries, but Justin Kluivert is the man taking the headlines in recent weeks.
Similarly to Johnson, the Dutchman is the south coast side's top scorer with 12 Premier League this season; six of those being from the penalty spot.
After a strong first season at the club, Kluivert has gone up a significant level in his second season on the south coast, becoming a complete central attacking midfielder.
Per 90 minutes, the 25-year-old averages 0.61, 2.73 shots, 0.25 assists, 1.97 chances created, and 5.91 touches in the opposition box in what has been an immense individual campaign.
With two league hat-tricks under his belt, Kluivert continued his hot form, recently equalising with an emphatic effort against Brighton and providing an assist against Southampton.
Now facing Spurs, Kluivert's influence and impact is guaranteed as the Dutchman continues to be the figurehead in Bournemouth's prospering attack.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Tottenham's home ground, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, will be the venue for this weekend's clash.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off between Tottenham and Bournemouth will commence at 14:00 GMT on Sunday 9th March 2025.
Will the game be televised?
Yes, the game will be televised in the UK on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
