Spurs head to the south coast looking to avoid a third league defeat in a row after suffering a bit of a slump after recording their best ever start to a Premier League campaign earlier this season. Spurs recently suffered a disappointment in the Champions League after a 95th-minute winner was controversially ruled out by VAR.
A return to winning ways this afternoon will keep Spurs in third place ahead of a tough test against Liverpool next weekend, and will also see Bournemouth lose their third game on the bounce, bringing the club somewhat back to earth after an initial improvement in results under interim boss Gary O ‘Neil.
Bournemouth, perhaps remarkably, look to climb into the top half with a positive result this afternoon. Follow the match LIVE below with our dedicated match blog featuring expert insight and analysis from Tottenham’s Vitality Stadium correspondent Dan Kilpatrick.
Live updates
Bournemouth XI
…and the hosts.
Tottenham XI
This is what the Spurs look like.
Score prediction
Spurs have struggled to create chances in recent games, although they did step up a few gears in the second half against Sporting when it mattered most. Bournemouth have also struggled to score goals, but their defense will be under the most pressure on Saturday.
Conte’s side should have enough to walk away with the three points, although it might not be pretty.
Spurs to win 2-0.
Tottenham XI Prediction: Loris; Sanchez, Dyer, Lenglet; Emerson, Bissouma, Hoiberg, Bentancourt, Sessegnon; Son, Kane.
Conte ready to rest the players
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte admitted he may have to rest players today due to next week’s ‘final’, with Marseille more important.
A dramatic Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday saw Spurs fail to grab a late winner after Harry Kane’s stoppage-time strike was ruled out for offside, meaning they need a point in France on Tuesday to secure place in the direct eliminations.
Christian Romero is expected to be one of a handful of players ‘protected’ by the Italian, who knows he can make up for lost points at home later in the campaign.
Rodrigo Bentancourt is another who could get a rest at the Vitality Stadium, especially with Oliver Skipp raring to go after recently returning to full fitness.
One player who is certain to start is Harry Kane, given the lack of alternatives with Dejan Kulusevski (hamstring) and Richarlison (calf) still injured.
Where to watch.
This match will NOT be shown live on UK TV due to the traditional blackout at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
You can follow along here though, so problem solved!
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Bournemouth and Tottenham.
Kick-off at Vitality Stadium is 15:00 BST.
Stay with us for all the build-up, action and reaction.