Preview: Bournemouth v Wolves

Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers previews the clash.

Preamble

It's 11th versus 7th at the Vitality where Wolves can, after beating Leicester, West Ham and Everton in recent weeks, again forge a big gap ahead of one of their rivals.

The mini league in the middle of the table has begun to stretch out with only Watford currently able to keep pace with Nuno Espirito Santo's team.

With matches against Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City to follow in the next eight days, Wolves know they have a big opportunity to cement their league position before the excitement of the FA Cup starts up again next month.

Bournemouth too, though, will see this as an opportunity to regain some lost ground on the fight for seventh and possible European football.

Despite the loss of top scorer Callum Wilson and creative youngster David Brooks to injury, Eddie Howe's team are always confident on their home turf. They possess the seventh best home record in the league and have only lost three times.

They also recently thumped Chelsea 4-0 at the Vitality and have scored more goals home and away than anyone outside the top six. Since November their only home defeat has been to Liverpool.

Over the same time period Wolves' only away defeat came at Manchester City. Nuno's team are arguably in their best nick of the whole season – they're seven unbeaten, every player is fit, most are in form, the new formation is working and the starting XI picks itself.

After two away defeats Bournemouth will be glad to be at home again – but Wolves will fear no one. Another fascinating game in this whirlwind Wolves season awaits.

The opposition

We spoke to Bournemouth expert Peter Bell to get the inside track on the Cherries.

Team news

For what is their first game in two weeks the Cherries will be without key players Callum Wilson and David Brooks who are sidelined with knee and ankle problems respectively.

Lewis Cook and Simon Francis are out long-term but Junior Stanislas will be given a late fitness test on a thigh injury.

Eddie Howe said of Bournemouth's injury problems: "Simon Francis and Lewis Cook have been devastating blows for us because they're long term and you know you're not going to get them back during the season. They've really been the cornerstone of our team for the last couple of seasons.

"When you add Callum (Wilson) and David Brooks, who recently have been in really good form for us, it's been difficult."

In contrast, Wolves have yet another clean bill of health with Diogo Jota having returned to training after missing the Bristol City FA Cup win with a dead leg.

Nuno said on Friday: "Everybody is OK."

Likely line ups

Bournemouth (4-4-2): Boruc; Clyne, S Cook, Aké, A Smith; Ibe, Lerma, Gosling, Fraser; Solanke, King.

Wolves (3-5-2): Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Neves, Moutinho, Dendoncker, Otto; Jimenez, Jota. Subs: Ruddy, Saiss, Vinagre, Gibbs-White, Cavaleiro, Costa, Traore.

Key players

Bournemouth – Ryan Fraser

The Scottish international winger has scored six times in 30 appearances for Bournemouth this season and often been the catalyst for some bold attacking play from the Cherries, who have netted more goals (37) than any team outside the Premier League’s top six. Got his first Scotland goal at Albania in November.

Wolves – Willy Boly

The likes of Solanke, King, Ibe and Fraser will look to trouble Wolves with their pace and movement. Willy Boly will need to be on guard.

The bosses

Eddie Howe: "Wolves have done very well this season. They're a well-balanced team with some real individual talents. They've stuck to their philosophy since their promotion. Continuity in team selection is important. The fact that Wolves have used so few players this season is credit to their staff and management. We know we'll be in for a tough game."

Nuno Espirito Santo: "We're preparing how we do for all of the games, trying to give the maximum of input to the players. Bournemouth have a fantastic squad and always have a strong XI, for sure."

Form

Bournemouth LLWWL

Feb 9: Liverpool 3 (Mane 24, Wijnaldum 34, Salah 48) Bournemouth 0

Feb 2: Cardiff City 2 (Reid pen 5, 46) Bournemouth 0

Jan 30: Bournemouth 4 (King 47, 74, Brooks 63, Daniels 90+5) Chelsea 0

Jan 19: Bournemouth 2 (Wilson 53, King 90+1) West Ham United 0

Jan 13: Everton 2 (Zouma 61, Calvert-Lewin 90+5) Bournemouth 0

Wolves WDWWW

Feb 17: Bristol City 0 Wolves 1 (Cavaleiro 28) *FA Cup

Feb 11: Wolves 1 (Boly 90+5) Newcastle United 1 (Hayden 56)

Feb 5: Wolves 3 (Doherty 2, 45+6, Cavaleiro 62) Shrewsbury Town 2 (Bolton 11, Laurent 39) *FA Cup

Feb 2: Everton 1 (Gomes 27) Wolves 3 (Neves pen 7, Jimenez 45, Dendoncker 66)

Jan 29: Wolves 3 (Saiss 66, Jimenez 80, 86) West Ham United 0

Past five meetings

Dec 15, 2018 (PL): Wolves 2 (Jimenez 12, Cavaleiro 90+4) Bournemouth 0

Mar 3, 2015 (Ch): Bournemouth 2 (Kermorgant 10, pen 49) Wolves 1 (Afobe 39)

Dec 6, 2014 (Ch): Wolves 1 (Graham 41) Bournemouth 2 (Arter 73, Ritchie 85)

Sep 22, 1998 (LC): Wolves 1 (Keane 57) Bournemouth 2 (Stein 21, 60)

Sep 15, 1998 (LC): Bournemouth 1 (Stein 17) Wolves 1 (Ferguson 83)

Match facts

• Wolves have only travelled to Bournemouth on five occasions

• Their only victory at Dean Court came back in 1948 in a 2-1 FA Cup win

• If Wolves win they'll record their first ever league double over the Cherries

• The last team from outside the top six to win at Bournemouth were Burnley in November 2017

Referee

Roger East (Wiltshire)

East is a rare beast in that he's not sent anyone off yet this season, showing 62 yellows in 18 matches.

Was in charge for Wolves' 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace last month.

Match odds

Bournemouth 9/5, draw 9/4, Wolves 8/5