Premier League 2016-17 preview, predictions: No. 13, Bournemouth
With the 2016-17 Premier League season kicking off this weekend, FC Yahoo is rolling out previews for all 20 teams. We’ll be working our way up from the bottom of our predicted table, all the way to the champions.
Last season: Bournemouth’s first-ever season in England’s top flight was more comfortable than many expected it to be. Eddie Howe established himself as one of the brightest young managers in the game, and although the Cherries finished 16th, they were never truly troubled by the prospect of relegation from January onward.
What’s changed: Bournemouth smashed its transfer record to bring in 20-year-old Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe for £15 million. Ibe is just one of many youthful signings for Howe, though. Central midfielders Lewis Cook (19, Leeds) and Emerson Hyndman (20, Fulham), forward Lys Mousset (20, Le Havre), and fullbacks Brad Smith (22, Liverpool) and Nathan Ake (21, Chelsea) have all come through the doors. They’ll make up for the departure of influential playmaker Matt Ritchie, who was sold to Newcastle, and club captain Tommy Elphick, who departed for Aston Villa.
FC YAHOO TAKE
Henry Bushnell: Bournemouth is no fluke. In fact, some chance creation data suggests the Cherries were unlucky a year ago, and could be poised to take another step up in 2016-17. They’ve also added an extra attacking dimension in Ibe, who last season completed more successful take-ons per 90 minutes than any other Premier League player with at least 15 appearances. Plus, Callum Wilson is back after missing most of last season through injury. Howe has built an energetic young team that is in great position to establish itself in the Prem.
Alex Baker: Bournemouth made something of a splash in its first season in the top flight. But with the initial excitement of that first season having dissipated, the Cherries now face the daunting task of trying to establish themselves as Premier League regulars. While there have been a few decent signings, the club has problems off the pitch and the ownership is unpopular with fans. Combine that with a slightly dodgy defense and a difficult run of matches early in the season, and you have a recipe for what could prove to be a challenging sophomore campaign.
Bookmakers say: Point total over/under: 43.5 | Title odds: 1000/1 | Relegation odds: 10/3
FC YAHOO PREDICTIONS
Shahan Ahmed: 15 | Ryan Bailey: 12 | Alex Baker: 16 | Henry Bushnell: 13 | Joey Gulino: 15 | Joe Lago: 12 | Leander Schaerlaeckens: 17 | Average: 14.3 (13th)
More Previews
Arsenal | Bournemouth | Burnley | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Hull City | Leicester City | Liverpool | Manchester City | Manchester United | Middlesbrough | Southampton | Stoke City | Sunderland | Swansea City | Tottenham | Watford | West Brom | West Ham
