Just three days after the loss to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League round of 16, Tottenham Hotspur host seventh-placed AFC Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, hoping to return to winning ways following a disappointing week of results.
Tottenham Hotspur come into this fixture after consecutive 1-0 defeats. First against Manchester City last weekend and then to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League most recently.
However, February had been relatively kind to Ange Postecoglou’s men, winning three of their four league games before the Manchester City loss. Before that, Spurs had enjoyed back-to-back Premier League victories, beating Manchester United 1-0 and then Ipswich Town 4-1. Currently sitting 13th in the table, they have won three of their last five league matches.
Ten points and six places above them are their opponents, Bournemouth. Andoni Iraola’s men have had an incredible season so far, going from a 12th-place finish last year to now being in the hunt for European football. However, their recent form isn’t exactly what they’ve been identified for this season.
The Cherries head into this clash after a 1-1 draw against Wolves in the FA Cup fifth round, which they eventually won via a 5-4 penalty shootout. Prior to that, they suffered consecutive league defeats; 0-1 to Wolves and then 2-1 to Brighton.
Bournemouth’s recent league form has seen them slide down the table. With three defeats in their past four league matches, they look far less threatening than they did earlier in the campaign. That’s also as many league defeats they had suffered in their previous 18 games.
The reverse fixture at the Vitality Stadium was one to forget for Spurs, eerily similar to their most recent loss against AZ Alkmaar. A 1-0 scoreline, no tactical clarity, an early goal conceded from poor marking, and an uninspired second-half display.
However, history favours Spurs in this fixture, with six wins in seven Premier League home meetings against Bournemouth. (FotMob)
What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs Bournemouth kick off?
- Location: London, England
- Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Date: Sunday 9th March 2025
- Kick-off Time: 2 pm BST
- Referee: John Brooks
- VAR: Andy Madley
Tottenham team news
Ange Postecoglou suffered yet another selection setback. Dominic Solanke, making his first appearance since January, had to be withdrawn after just 18 minutes. His chances of featuring against his former side are slim, but we will wait for any updates from Postecoglou’s press conference on Saturday.
Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were named in the squad against AZ Alkmaar but remained on the bench. This could be the first time this year that the duo finally pair up. However, with the crucial second leg against AZ coming up, Postecoglou might manage their minutes carefully.
Other absentees include Radu Dragusin and the latest casualty, Dejan Kulusevski. Meanwhile, Ben Davies and Richarlison are nearing a return but remain doubts.
Bournemouth team news
Bournemouth will be without Adam Smith, Marcos Senesi, and Enes Unal. Illia Zabarnyi remains suspended after his red card against Wolves.
Predicted Tottenham line-up
Vicario; Porro, Danso, Gray, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Odobert.
Although Romero and Van de Ven are expected to be involved, we believe only one may start, with the other coming on later (depending on match fitness). Kevin Danso and Archie Gray have impressed in their absence, so Postecoglou may not rush changes. That is also why we’ve opted for them as of now.
Expect Son Heung-min and Djed Spence to be rested. Timo Werner could come on for Johnson with 30 minutes on the clock. Moore or Son may come on for Odobert, and Richarlison for Tel later in the game. Bentancur – suspended for the AZ second leg will likely play the full 90 minutes.
Our prediction
The main threat for Bournemouth will be Justin Kluivert, who has one of the best away records this season. Only Mohamed Salah (16) has scored more away goals than the Dutchman (10). Another player to watch is Antoine Semenyo who was under the Spurs’ radar once. The right-winger has been deployed on the left by Iraola, likely to ease his ability to cut inside. Expect him to give Porro a tough time.
For Spurs, Kevin Danso is one to watch. The Austrian is one of the very few Spurs players who has not only avoided criticism but has also earned widespread praise for his performances. Additionally, James Maddison will be aiming to add to his tally of 14 goal involvements this season.
The pressure on Ange Postecoglou is at an all-time high after the uninspired display in the Netherlands, which drew heavy criticism.
Another home defeat would see them match an unwanted record; the most home losses in a single season since 1993-94. Furthermore, Bournemouth have never completed a league double over Spurs in their history, and Tottenham will be keen to keep it that way. (Opta)
While this game may not be as important as the return leg against AZ Alkmaar, Spurs must still move up the league table to avoid a bottom-half finish. Given the home record and the need to earn the fans’ trust back, we’re predicting a narrow Spurs win.
Predicted score: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 AFC Bournemouth
COYS!