We will be looking to bounce back from our Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Juventus as we take on Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The elimination from Europe’s premier club competition last week was a hammer blow. After drawing 2-2 against the Italian giants at their home ground two weeks ago, it looked as though we had done all the hard work. By that point, we were favourites to win the tie and progress to the quarter-finals.
Back to it #COYS pic.twitter.com/cLGV190jGr
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 9, 2018
However, at Wembley this week, the Old Lady showed exactly why they have reached the Champions League final twice during the past three seasons, as well as why they are widely regarded as being one of the world’s best clubs, as they went on to win 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
The game at the Vitality Stadium against Eddie Howe’s 12th placed side provides us with an opportunity to claim three points and further extend the distance between us and fifth-placed Chelsea.
The Cherries are likely to have to make do without the services of Jordon Ibe, Mark Pugh and Ryan Fraser. Pugh is suffering from a calf problem, Ibe has been out with a hamstring problem and Fraser is carrying a back issue.
Our former star forward Jermain Defoe is fit again and the veteran could start against us.
Meanwhile, for us, Eric Dier is a doubt after he suffered an elbow injury in the Champions League against Juventus while Toby Alderweireld is still out. Serge Aurier is back in contention after serving his European suspension.
We have a good record against the Cherries and have scored 13 goals against them in our past five Premier League games against them and have lost all but one of the games.
Winning this game is a must as Manchester United and Liverpool take each other on. It provides us with a brilliant opportunity to close the gap on them and we must take this.
Prediction
Despite the Champions League setback, I’m sure that the boys will go out there with confidence. Bournemouth will certainly come hard at us but our quality must be enough to seal the deal I guess.
Final score: Bournemouth 1-2 Tottenham
