Opponent Watch: Bournemouth rule out 33-year-old star for Tottenham clash but still hold Dominic Solanke hope

The latest Bournemouth team news ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash

According to Dorset Live, Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil has ruled out veteran goalkeeper Neto from featuring against Tottenham Hotspur later today.

Spurs travel to the Vitality Stadium on the back of consecutive league defeats to Manchester United and Newcastle United. This has seen them fall down the Premier League standings, ceding the initiative in the title race to Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Cherries go into the tie as underdogs but have upped their game since the 9-0 humiliation at Anfield earlier in the campaign. Bournemouth will not be an easy game, especially when they play at home and Tottenham cannot afford to cede any more ground from the Premier League summit.

One man who will not feature for Bournemouth will be Neto who was forced off at half-time in the 2-0 loss to West Ham United on Monday. He remains unavailable this weekend and is likely to be replaced by Mark Travers in goal.

“Neto will be out. He has an issue with his hamstring. We’re not sure how long.”

The Irishman initially started the campaign under Scott Parker as the number one before being displaced to the bench. He now has the opportunity to regain his spot and show O’Neil what he can do.

It is not all good news as Dominic Solanke is in contention to return to action. The former Liverpool man too limped off against West Ham but could return to action this weekend. O’Neil confirmed that the striker was doing well and there is still hope that he could play on the night.

“He’s recovered well, and we’re still hopeful.”

With two players potentially out, Bournemouth should have their work cut out against Spurs. As long as Antonio Conte’s men turn up and perform to their ability, it should be a regulation win for Tottenham.

As for Tottenham, Cristian Romero and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg returned to action midweek against Sporting CP. Antonio Conte will be back in the dugout following his sending off on the night. Apart from the injured duo of Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski, Conte will have his best players to choose from.

More Tottenham Hotspur News

• Transfer News: Glenn Hoddle believes Tottenham Hotspur should target James Maddison
• Antonio Conte suggests Bournemouth have an advantage over Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Premier League tie
• Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg reflects on his ‘failed’ spell at Bayern Munich

Given our recent run of results, the Italian will be served well with a convincing win. Anything less could lead to a downward spiral that is difficult to recover from.