Premier League Countdown: Bournemouth looking good for mid-table
Published:The new Premier League season is now less than a fortnight away, so it’s time to think about how the upcoming campaign will shake out.
In the build-up to the new season we’re profiling each of the 20 top-flight clubs, from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to Premier League new boys Brighton & Hove Albion.
Our next team in the spotlight is Bournemouth…
A ninth-place finish last term was a remarkable result for the Cherries, in just their second season of Premier League football.
Granted there was nothing in it between eighth and 17th, but Eddie Howe has made sure his side are ready to compete once again.
Nathan Ake is back – this time permanently – and will add much-needed steel to Bournemouth’s biggest weakness – defence. It says plenty that after he rejoined Chelsea in January, they failed to win their next seven games.
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic adds further quality and competition at the rear, while pocket dynamo Jermain Defoe does the same up front.
And with the core of this Dean Court squad staying put, Bournemouth are in place for another campaign of mid-table security.
It’s hard to pick out one star in what is very much a team ethos, but Jordon Ibe is due to come good on that £15m price tag.
Bournemouth – 2017-18
Key arrivals: Nathan Ake, Jermain Defoe
Key departures: None
Man to watch: Jordon Ibe
Title odds: 750/1
Best bet: Top half finish @ 11/5
We say: Bournemouth haven’t lost any first-team players and have added sensibly this summer. They’ll have learnt much from last season’s somewhat erratic defensive performances, and repeating last season’s top-half finish isn’t out of the question.
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