AFC Bournemouth face one of the longest journeys in the Premier League tomorrow, travelling to the North-East to take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Here is how I think Andoni Iraola will line up, followed by a match preview:

GK: Djordje Petrovic

Petrovic hasn’t been at his absolute best in recent weeks, and will be extremely disappointed not to have saved Callum Wilson’s first effort, but his place in the side will never be under threat.

RB: Adam Smith

Alex Jimenez was very impressive in the second half against West Ham after being introduced at half time – but I feel Iraola may start with the more experienced Smith at a very tough place to go. With games coming thick and fast, right back is likely a position we will see rotation in over the coming weeks.

CBs: Lewis Cook + Marcos Senesi

Cook slotted into centre back after the break against West Ham and was outstanding, improving the intensity of the side tenfold. It would be a risk to start him at centre back from the off here – but when has Andoni Iraola ever been a man not willing to take a chance? Cook and Senesi add tremendous quality on the ball to build from the back.

LB: Adrien Truffert

Truffert, like many, improved immensely in the second half against the Hammers. However, his final ball (crossing) does need to improve, and his levels have dropped recently. He will get another start here, though.

DM (‘6’): Tyler Adams

Adams came through concussion protocols with no issues in order to start against West Ham, and was at his imperious best as the game went on, before getting replaced by Enes Unal. He will be a very important figure as always if AFCB want to get anything from this one.

CM (‘8’): Alex Scott

Had Ryan Christie been fit, I would’ve started him in this one, such was his impressive display when replacing Scott at halftime last week. But he will miss the next 3-4 weeks with a sprained knee, so Scott will likely keep his place for this one, looking for an improved performance than last week. Should Iraola not choose to start Cook at centre back, it wouldn’t surprise me if he partners Adams rather than Scott.

AM (’10’): Junior Kroupi

Kroupi started on the left against West Ham and was one of the few bright sparks of the first half. He would’ve scored in the second half had it not been for an astonishing save by Alphonse Areola – with Antoine Semenyo set to be back for this one, I believe Tavernier will start on the other flank with Kroupi in the middle. That could be interchangeable, of course.

Wingers: Antoine Semenyo + Marcus Tavernier

Semenyo missed last week with illness + injury, so his return will be a big boost. I expect him to come in from the off for this one, and as previously mentioned, Tavernier on the other side, with his defensive work going to be important. David Brooks and Amine Adli will be primed to make an impact off the bench.

ST: Evanilson

Enes Una came off the bench to equalise last time out, already equalling Evanilson’s league tally for the season. But the Brazilian did win yet another penalty, and Unal is not yet fit enough to start, although he likely will get a chance from the off at some point over the busy festive period. Evanilson desperately needs a goal, and hopefully he can find one this weekend.

Match Preview

This is such a tough one to call.

Sunderland have had an unpredictably brilliant start to the campaign, unbeaten at home in the league having already faced the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa. Their recruitment in the summer was superb, vying for many of the same players as AFCB as they almost completely overhauled the starting XI that got them promoted. It’s a risky strategy, but one that has paid off as they look very far from the usual promoted sides, in a good way.

AFCB have lost the last two away, with disappointing performances at The Etihad and Villa Park. Whilst tomorrow’s game will undoubtedly be much more difficult, the second half performance should be used as a catalyst to get the team back to the levels they’re used to, with an intense, breathless style of play.

As previously mentioned, Andoni Iraola is set to be boosted by the return of Antoine Semenyo, whilst Justin Kluivert could also be a part of the squad after an abductor injury. Ryan Christie’s absence is a big blow, joining his countryman Ben Gannon-Doak for a period on the sidelines.

Habib Diarra, Dennis Birkin, Leo Hjelde and Romaine Mundle are all set to miss out for the Black Cats.

The Cherries’ last visit to the Stadium of Light saw them put the final nail in the coffin for a dreadful Sunderland side, relegating them thanks to a late Joshua King winner. The atmosphere over eight years on will be a stark contrast, such is their impressive home form, and overall performances so far this season. That is not to say Regis Le Bris’ side is unbeatable, but they deserve a huge amount of respect for their efforts so far this season.

I would like to think this will be a good quality game, perhaps edgy at times, between two good sides, with little to separate them. It could well be an individual moment of magic from either team that wins the points on the day.

PREDICTION: Sunderland 1-1 AFC Bournemouth