- Only five teams picked up more points than Bournemouth from November onwards last season
- Dominic Solanke’s goal tally was bettered by only three players last term
- Recommended bet: Bournemouth to finish in the top 10

Andoni Iraola’s first season at Bournemouth was an undoubted success and there is a real sense of optimism on the south coast for the first time in a number of years.

The future looks bright for the Cherries, who have ambitious owners, a progressive manager and a strong squad, suggesting they may break into the top half this time around.

Last Season

A rocky start saw Bournemouth fail to win any of their opening nine games, with many believing they had made a real error by sacking Gary O’Neil in favour of appointing Iraola.

The Spaniard soon proved those doubters wrong though, as the Cherries put together some great results, recording big wins over Newcastle and Manchester United as they finished a respectable 12th.

The manager

Iraola was written off by plenty before even managing a game, due in large part to the fact many pundits believe O’Neil had been unfairly sacked following a decent season with the Cherries.

People were wrong to underestimate Iraola, though, as he enjoyed an excellent first season at the Vitality Stadium, which was no surprise to those who had analysed his exploits with Rayo Vallecano.

Iraola had Vallecano, who many had tipped for relegation, challenging for Europe up until the final two weeks of the 2022-23 season and also led his side to the Copa Del Rey semi-finals the year prior.

He is a progressive manager, with an emphasis on pressing and intricate passing, and the Cherries are in safe hands with him at the helm.

Transfers

After a busy summer last year, Bournemouth have kept signings at a minimum this term, with Iraola seemingly happy with his young and exciting squad.

Enes Unal and Luis Sinisterra’s loans have been made permanent, while youngsters Daniel Jebbison, Alex Paulsen and Dean Huijsen have all arrived to offer competition for places.

The loss of Lloyd Kelly may seem important, but he had lost his place at left-back to Milos Kerkez by November and none of their other outgoings were regulars last season either.

Dominic Solanke has been linked with Spurs over the past week and keeping on to their 19-goal talisman will be key to their chances this season.

Strengths and weaknesses

Bournemouth’s biggest strengths lie in attack. Solanke’s Premier League tally of 19 was only bettered by three players last term and his supporting cast offer plenty of different talents.

Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert and Luis Sinisterra are all pacey and tricky wingers capable of chipping in with goals, while the creativity Alex Scott and Ryan Christie provide from midfield should not be underplayed.

In contrast, their defence did let them down at times last season. Only four teams – three of whom were relegated – conceded more Premier League goals than the Cherries last term, so there is work to be done in that department.

Best outright bet

While their defence needs shoring up, that should come with time. Marcos Senesi and Illia Zabarnyi’s centre-back partnership improved as last season progressed and should be even better this season, while Max Aarons should feature more at right-back.

Tyler Adams missed basically the entirety of last season, playing just three games, but he is fit again and his tenacity and ball-winning ability in midfield should also help the Cherries maintain a better defensive record this term.

Keeping Solanke will be key, but assuming their talisman stays, Bournemouth are heading in the right direction. Iraola is an excellent manager who is capable of approaching games with different tactics as and when they are needed.

The Cherries have a young squad meaning they should only get better with time. 12th was a solid finish last time around and it would be no surprise to see them build on that and crack the top 10 this season.

Back Bournemouth to finish in the top 10 at 7/4 with LiveScore Bet