Season Preview: Will Bournemouth build upon record 9th-placed finish?
Previous season
Having consolidated a top-flight spot in their Premier League debut season, Bournemouth went one step further and landed a top half finish, ending the campaign level on points with south coast rivals Southampton. Eddie Howe’s side went some way to making the Vitality Stadium a tough place to visit, but their away fortunes must improve. They won only three of 19 away league games in their quest to secure a top half finish, though a strong home record has undoubtedly helped to nail down a regular place in England’s top tier.
The Cherries kick off their campaign with a tough trip to West Brom and an early season scalp against a top half rival would see them hit the ground running this season
Transfer summary
Bournemouth have strengthened accordingly during the off season, with Jermain Defoe, Nathan Ake and Asmir Begovic all returning to the Cherries. The trio have all spent time on loan with Bournemouth in the past and Howe has acted accordingly to improve crucial areas of the squad. The permanent capture of Ake and Begovic strengthens the defence, while Defoe will provide solid competition with Benik Afobe and Callum Wilson, once fit, for a starting spot up top. The experienced forward was a key man for Sunderland last term and Howe will now hope he can continue his good goalscoring form. Importantly is Bournemouth have, at the time of writing, retained the services of top scorer Josh King, who has attracted interest from Tottenham and West Ham.
One to watch – Nathan Ake
It’s no coincidence that Bournemouth’s form dipped on the back of Nathan Ake’s return to Chelsea at the turn of the year. The young Dutchman had consolidated a starting berth for the south coast side before the Blues recalled him prematurely. Now back at the Vitality Stadium permanently, he will be the stand out man for Howe’s side at the heart of the defence. For a Bournemouth side that shipped 67 league goals last term, the 22-year-old’s permanent capture is a boost.
Predicted finish – 9th
A summer of strengthening will certainly improve Bournemouth’s chances of another top half finish, with the signings of Ake and Begovic significantly bolstering the defence. Another 9th-placed finish is certainly on the cards for the Cherries.
