Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bournemouth: Match Preview, Projected Lineups & Predictions

A long awaited return. It's been 59 years since Tottenham traveled to play at Bournemouth, before even the great Bill Nicholson managed Spurs. Tottenham return to Southwest England needing a win after failing to record a victory yet in the month of October. The injuries have started to pile up this month as Son Heung-Min, Nabil Bentaleb, Ryan Mason, and now Nacer Chadli are in the midst of long-term absences. Three points could get Tottenham back in the hunt for fourth place, so all eyes will be seeing if they can get back to winning ways.

Bournemouth sits in 17th place at the moment, just two points out of the relegation zone. Manager Eddie Howe's team has been boosted by its home form, where it has a positive point differential and has only lost once. The Cherries have been devastated by injuries themselves, losing young star striker Callum Wilson along with Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings with long-term absences. Among the healthy, Glenn Murray will look to lead the attack while Sylvain Distin and Simon Francis will marshal the defense.

Can Spurs get back to winning ways against a banged up Bournemouth side?  We shall see.

How to Watch

Date/time: Sunday, October 25, 2:05 p.m. (UK), 10:05 a.m. ET (USA)
Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, UK
Official: Roger East
TV: DirecTV Only: Channel 491 (USA), Not Televised (UK), Sportsnet World (Canada), Fox Sports 5 (Australia), other listings at livesoccertv.com
Streaming: NBCS Live Extra (USA)
Radio: Audio streamed at tottenhamhotspur.com, also BBC Radio London and TalkSport

Projected Lineup

Injuries keep on devastating Spurs of late. The most recent victim was Nacer Chadli, who suffered an ankle injury against Liverpool that will keep him out six weeks. The injury adds him to the list of wounded which already includes Son Heung-Min, Nabil Bentaleb, and Ryan Mason. We expect Andros Townsend to start in Chadli's absence, as he did on Thursday against Anderlecht.

Prediction League

As for the Prediction League, Mechanick was among those who foresaw a Spurs draw against Liverpool, keeping him in first place. The rules remain the same in the Prediction League -- one point for a correct prediction and a bonus point for getting the score correct. Here are the current standings:

Michael Caley: Bournemouth have the worst attack in the EPL and our defense is really good. This should be easy. 3-0 Spurs

Bryan A.: Like Michael said, Bournemouth's attack is awful and our defense is amazing. The Cherries won't be scoring, but it remains to be seen if our occasionally impotent attack can do anything. If Kane and Co. are going to break out of their slump this is the time to do it. 4-0 Spurs

GN_Punk: I can't see a Europa hangover against Bournemouth. They're not a good side and are missing key members of their starting XI. This is a relegation side we should beat, even with our MASH unit. 3-1 Spurs

Mechanick: This seems like the game when Harry Kane gets a brace, happy times are here again, and the Cherries are burst. 2-0 Spurs

Ed F.: Bournemouth spent most of their summer transfer budget on one OK defender and he's now been ruled out for the season. Meanwhile Callum Wilson is also not available and Sylvain Distin is also a viable starting option in their defence. They've done alright so far this term and our attack sucks but we're still winning this one. 2-0 Spurs.

Skipjack: 2-1 Spurs. We all get mad and somehow Bale's injury costs us

Dustin Menno: It’s tempting to get all gloom and doomy about this weekend’s match after the lackluster loss to Anderlecht, but I’m not. Spurs are good, and Bournemouth, well, aren’t. Plus they’re without Callum Wilson, Max Gradel, and Artur Boruc. Think we can take ‘em. 2-0 Spurs

Brett Rainbow: We are very good, a loss to Anderlecht doesn't change that. Bournemouth are not. Kane scores a brace. 2-0 Spurs

Ben Daniels: We're going to make hard work of what should be a comfortable win. We'll go ahead early and let off the gas, because that's what we do. Glen Murray will find a way to score, because that's what he does. But I think this time we'll finally turn an otherwise frustrating draw into a win. 2-1 Spurs

55thVin: I'm sick. Spurs owe me. 3-0 to the Tottenham. 3-0 Spurs

Earl of Shoop: TBD

Luke Zimmerman: After a garbage result in Europa, Spurs must get their groove back in the worst of ways. Though a healthy Bournemouth side can muster some offensive fireworks, this group should be ripe for the picking. 2-0, HARRY KANE BACK?! 2-0 Spurs

Matthew Pachniuk: With insatiable attractions like Moeder Lambic Fontainas, Bier Circus, and Delirium Café it is understandable that Tottenham struggled in Brussels.  It would be decidedly incomprehensible to see Spurs stumble against an injured, talent-stricken side such as A.F.C. Bournemouth.  Like a Lindemans Kriek, The Cherries will go down smooth.  Harry Kane gets on the scoresheet. 3-0 Spurs

Jake Meador: 3-1 to Spurs. Goals from Eriksen, Kane, and Clinton