Bournemouth resume competitive fixtures for the first time on Sunday when they begin their top-flight season away at Manchester City.
Uncertainty surrounds Bournemouth’s starting eleven for the Etihad Stadium encounter, with half a dozen squad members anticipated to rejoin training this week following injuries or suspensions.
Whether any of those individuals will be fit enough to play remains unclear. Here is how Bournemouth are expected to line up for their season-opening fixture.
Goalkeeper
This position holds no real doubt. Djordje Petrovic occupies the number one spot and will take his place between the posts at City.
Defenders
The defensive unit appears largely settled, with the lineup for Manchester appearing fairly straightforward.
The only potential alteration from the back four that began the pre-season friendly at Mainz involves the right-back role. Manager Marco Rose indicated they have been carefully handling Junalu’s recovery after a minor injury issue, so Adam Smith is predicted to start in that position.
At centre-back, James Hill will pair up with summer arrival Antonio Silva, while Adrien Truffert will start at left-back.
Midfielders
One of the players returning to the squad will automatically slot back into central midfield, as Alex Scott completes his one-match ban from the Mainz fixture and becomes available again.
He will partner Lewis Cook in the engine room. Tyler Adams is not expected to feature despite returning to full training this week, owing to his limited pre-season playing time.
Forwards
The attacking quartet that started in Germany is anticipated to remain unchanged for the City match.
Marcus Tavernier occupies the left flank, with Rayan on the right. Evanilson spearheads the attack, while Justin Kluivert operates in the supporting role alongside and behind the Brazilian striker.
Predicted lineup: Petrovic; Truffert, Silva, Hill, Smith; Cook, Scott; Tavernier, Kluivert, Rayan; Evanilson.