THE Cherries are the pick this Friday night under the lights, as Bournemouth take on Fulham at 8pm.
Three points, five places and 102 miles separate the sides, however it’s on pitch activities that’ll be at the forefront of the manager’s mind.
Unbeaten in their last five, Andoni Iraola’s men could go second if they secure a win this evening.
Despite overseeing Bournemouth’s best start to a Premier League season, the Spaniard remains cautious about getting to ahead of himself:
“It is too early to make conclusions. We are talking about very small differences. Fulham are now 11th or 12th. If they beat us, they are level on points. I don’t look at the standings.” He said.
Instead, his priority remains the performances:
“For me, it’s about being competitive. I want to keep this level all season if we can. This is about small margins – all the games have been very level. I expect the same tomorrow [tonight].”
It has been a mix start for Marco Silva and the visitors with two wins, two draws and two defeats so far this season, finding the net on just five occasions.
Following a loss to Aston Villa last time out, Silva is hoping for a reaction from his side in this one:
“We worked on what to do better during the week. We are not happy, and we want to react from the last game.” He began.
A far-from firing attack that has been hampered by the absence of Rodrigo Muniz with a muscle injury.
On the injuries Silva said:
“Right now, I can assure that Rodrigo is going to be out, and Kenny Tete is going to be out too,” Silva admitted. “More than just this game. I believe even after the internationals it is going to be difficult for them to be ready for the next ones.”
He, as a result will be hanging his hopes on 34-year-old Raul Jimenez, who has scored 5 goals in six games against Bournemouth.
When they met last term, Bournemouth ran out unbeaten, earning a win and a draw in equal measures. And have the upper hand overall. Recording an impressive nine wins in their 19 all time meetings.
Bournemouth are looking to continue their good form, and Fulham fighting the battle of injuries, under the lights only one team can prevail.
