Bournemouth commence their campaign this weekend following a broadly positive pre-season programme, although their final friendly ended in defeat against Mainz.
Marco Rose appears comfortable in his new role at the club, with the squad appearing to adapt to his tactical approach, implementing modifications to the system employed by previous manager Andoni Iraola.
However, as the manager acknowledged on Saturday following the match, there remains preparation work ahead before the competitive season begins, with four key areas requiring attention ahead of the opening fixture at Manchester City.
Can the rearguard be strengthened?
While the pre-season schedule proved largely successful, Bournemouth failed to record a shutout throughout the summer months.
Although they significantly outscored their opponents overall, defensive vulnerabilities may require addressing before facing the champions, particularly against sides with formidable attacking capabilities.
Against Mainz, Bournemouth occasionally appeared vulnerable to teams playing through them, with the timing of pressing attempts slightly off on certain occasions.
Set piece situations also presented problems, which new set piece specialist Nicolas Gagnon will surely be examining.
While both goals conceded against Mainz did not stem from obvious tactical errors, the relentless quality of Premier League football will expose teams lacking solidity at the back.
Bournemouth appear capable of scoring freely this term, and Rose has historically overseen sides not renowned for defensive solidity, favouring outscoring opponents rather than grinding out clean sheets.
While scoring should not present difficulties, improving the defensive unit represents an area for development.
Can any of the injured players feature?
Bournemouth were missing 11 first-team players for the trip to Mainz.
One of those, Alex Scott, will surely return after serving a one-match suspension following his red card against Real Betis.
But can any of the other absentees make the matchday squad, even if limited to 50 or 60 minutes?
Having Tyler Adams available, for example, would significantly boost the midfield, which could also address the defensive concerns, as his presence would help protect the back line and make it more difficult for opponents to play through Bournemouth.
Those two are among six players anticipated to resume training this week, while Alvaro Rodriguez and David Brooks will be aiming to challenge for starting positions if fully fit.
Juanlu Sanchez will likely feature prominently this season, though Rose cautioned he requires gradual integration after recovering from an injury sustained prior to joining the club.
Should all those players become available for the weekend, it would represent a significant boost, even if only as bench options.
Is squad depth adequate?
Two broader questions extending beyond this particular match conclude the analysis, and this one proves crucial for the season’s duration.
Currently, sources indicate Bournemouth consider the majority of their transfer activity complete for the summer window.
However, given injuries to Junior Kroupi and Veljko Milosavljevic, does Rose possess sufficient cover at centre back and in attacking positions to navigate the opening phase of the campaign?
Following the Austria tour, he expressed confidence that available forwards could cover for Kroupi, though he acknowledged the club were exploring the possibility of adding another centre back if viable.
That situation has become quieter recently, with Lewis Cook utilized at centre back at various points during pre-season. He currently ranks fourth in the defensive central positions, behind James Hill, Antonio Silva and Bafode Diakite.
It seems unlikely more than one or two arrivals will materialise before the transfer window closes, though Bournemouth will surely act should Rose determine reinforcements are necessary.
Is Will Dennis the backup goalkeeper?
On a comparable note, the club is understood to be evaluating the backup goalkeeper position.
Dennis featured during pre-season, but having benefited from a loan spell at Leyton Orient, the situation earlier in the summer suggested he would likely depart again to secure regular first-team football.
However, Rose may consider Dennis capable of serving as second-choice keeper, in which case he would remain at the club and no external signing would be sought for that role.
Should that scenario unfold, Dennis would likely require assurances regarding playing opportunities, even if limited to cup competitions.