Seventh-placed Bournemouth start the new Premier League year with a visit from Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The Cherries finished 2024 in impressive form, securing three wins and three draws in December. Two of those victories came against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United as Andoni Iraola’s high-octane approach punished the struggling giants.
Bournemouth could climb as high as fifth should they taste victory this weekend and other results go their way, but Everton will prove a stern challenge. The Toffees secured impressive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City on the bounce during December, results that have helped them move two points clear of the relegation zone.
The reverse fixture served up one of the most dramatic comebacks in Premier League history. Everton were two goals ahead until the 87th minute at Goodison Park but conceded three times in the closing stages in a gut-wrenching defeat.
Bournemouth welcome Justin Kluivert back from suspension after he missed the Fulham clash and Iraola has confirmed that Tyler Adams is available after a knock ruled him out last weekend. However, the Spanish coach confirmed no other absentees will make their comebacks against Everton.
That means that Adam Smith, Marcos Senesi and Julian Araujo are all missing in the backline, while Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott and Luis Sinisterra are unavailable further forward.
Sean Dyche has revealed that Dwight McNeil is almost certain to miss out on the trip to Bournemouth having been sidelined since early December. Seamus Coleman is also missing due to a muscle injury but his issue “is nothing too serious” according to his manager.
Long-term absentees Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are both unavailable for selection. They’re back on the grass but remain some way off making their comebacks.
