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Bournemouth: How high can Cherries finish in second Premier League season?

By Larry Henry

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Dan Gosling of AFC Bournemouth (C) celebrates scoring his sides sixth goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Hull City at Vitality Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Dan Gosling of AFC Bournemouth (C) celebrates scoring his sides sixth goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Hull City at Vitality Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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After avoiding relegation in their first ever season in the Premier League, Bournemouth can make an even bigger splash in season number two.

Managed by former player Eddie Howe, Bournemouth finished in 16th place in their debut Premier League campaign with 42 points. They avoided falling into a relegation fight and were able to maintain their top-flight status for another season.

In the summer, their two biggest signings were Jordan Ibe from Liverpool and Arsenal‘s Jack Wilshere on a season-long loan. Ibe is a young, raw talent who made some good impressions a season ago. Whilst Wilshere has long since showed promise for Arsenal and also featured for the English national team.

Due to injury problems, Wilshere needed matches to get back to form and Bournemouth were able to pick up a midfielder that is experienced at the highest level. The Cherries are a young team that only feature three players older than the age of 30.

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Defensively, they are a close-knit bunch that have built chemistry together in the lower leagues. Artur Boruc is a veteran goalkeeper that brings leadership at the back. Whilst Adam Smith, Steve Cook, Simon Francis, and Charlie Daniels have started every match together as the Bournemouth back four this season.

Andrew Surman, Dan Gosling, and Harry Arter work vigorously for the side and put in a lot of work that may not make headlines. Max Gradel is an Ivory Coast international who brings skill and pace to the group. If healthy, Gradel can become one of the top midfielders in the division.

Junior Stanislas, Josh King, and Callum Wilson are Eddie Howe’s offensive weapons. Wilson missed most of last season with an ACL injury, but tallied 20 goals in Bournemouth’s promotion campaign.

Stanislas is tied as the team’s top scorer with Wilson, netting three goals apiece. The 26-year-old is a fine talent who is steadily improving. King is a Norweigan international that stepped in nicely whilst Wilson was injured.

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So far this season, Bournemouth have a record of 4-2-4 and are coming off a 6-1 thrashing of Hull City. This is a team that deserves to be in the top half of table based on their work ethic and background.

Howe is quickly becoming one of the top young managers in England. Even being backed by Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to become the next England manager. Falling earlier this season to Manchester United and Manchester City was expected. Now Bournemouth have another tough test this weekend against Spurs on Saturday.

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After also being eliminated from the EFL Cup, Howe’s team can continue to come into match days fresh. Meanwhile, some of the bigger clubs will continue to play two matches a week. If Bournemouth can squeak out a win against Spurs, their stock will begin to rise for a  potential top half finish.

Who knows, possibly even Europa League contention.

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