Wolves v Bournemouth: Inside track on the Cherries

We spoke with Peter Bell, from Cherry Chimes, to get a proper look at the seasiders.

See what he had to say here...

How have Bournemouth fared since the return of football, their performance against Crystal Palace seemed to be poor?

All Bournemouth fans were shocked at just how the team capitulated in the first 25 minute and didn't have an answer to Crystal Palace's play. The first goal is always important.

I am not sure the players knew what hit them when Luka Milivojevic hammered in that free kick.

While David Brooks played as well as could be hoped for, and Arnaut Danjuma got stuck in, that was about it.

Eddie Howe didn't have ideas that worked to break down Crystal Palace's solid defence. It was clear the team were sunk when the second goal went in.

How has lockdown affected Bournemouth, has it given players a chance to get fit, has it been a refreshing break for them?

The team started training a week later than some. They had been doing fitness work, but they were a little slow to get back to full training compared to some teams.

The main bonus of the lockdown has been to see the return of injured players such as Steve Cook, David Brooks, Chris Mepham and Josh King.

I am not sure if lockdown has been good for the players. Results will determine that, but they haven't started well.

Routine can be good for some players and having broken that, it looks like Bournemouth need time to get back into their stride.

Unfortunately, time is something they don't have with just eight games left.

How has the public issues around Ryan Fraser's contract dispute affected the squad, if at all?

I am sure that the players are not happy that the saga has dominated the national media for the last 18-months.

It's been a distraction that hasn't been helpful for Ryan or the club, and the fans are sick to death of it.

I wish he had been sold off last summer, but Eddie Howe wanted to get one more season out of him. It hasn't worked. It's not been well managed.

While Fraser deserves his move, it's had a negative impact on his form as well as the team.

Do you feel as though Eddie Howe is under pressure surrounding his job given Bournemouth's tricky situation?

Eddie Howe has been under pressure all season. The fans will love him no matter what.

He is a manager with good knowledge of the Championship and being relegated will hurt but could inspire.

I don't expect him to lose his job, unless there is a change in ownership at the club.

Eddie Howe knows how to rebuild a team that has been relegated - he did it with Burnley. He'll view it as a new challenge that might even do him some good.

He's been too loyal to some players and a cleanout is probably what is needed.

Who are the danger men to worry about in the Cherries' ranks?

David Brooks and Arnaut Danjuma are the only two players that have shown some form in the first game. But Bournemouth will need more than that to win a game against a top side like Wolves. The loss of Josh King is a major blow.

Eddie will make changes because the team didn't defend at all well in the Palace game. Harry Wilson could be a scapegoat along with Jack Stacey.

The team hasn't been scoring goals either and it is hard to see where they could come from.

I'd like to see Sam Surridge at least on the bench for this game, he could be a surprise package. But we don't expect anything from Dominic Solanke who is only a Premier league striker in name rather than deed.

What would be your predicted XI for the Cherries heading into this game?

Ramsdale; Smith, S Cook, Aké, Rico; Brooks, Lerma, Billing, L Cook, Danjuma; C Wilson.

What have you made of Wolves this season, do you see them as legitimate Champions League quality?

Wolves started poorly this season but soon showed their quality. Adama Traore has been out of this world. He was unstoppable at Dean Court earlier this season. We can only hope he doesn't get a full 90 minutes against us, because he'll rip us apart.

Raul Jiménez has also proved he can be a leading scorer in the Premier League. I am not sure how Eddie Howe will look to nullify the threat from Wolves. It could be a long night for our players.

Wolves are certainly capable of playing Champions League football soon, but I don't expect them to finish top four in the Premier League.

Wolves' best chance will be to win UEFA's Europa League, and I think that is possible for them this season. They are building for next season though no matter what.

Your match prediction?

Wolves should stroll this 3-0. Bournemouth can't score and are leaking 1.6 goals a game on average, while they are scoring less than a goal a game.

We need a miracle.

You can keep up with Peter's work here, or visit the Cherry Chimes website here.