Bournemouth Season Preview: Key Player, Signing to Watch, Predicted Finish and Betting Tip
Bournemouth are next up in our 2024/25 Premier League season preview as we look back at their 2023/24 campaign, pick out the key player, the signing to watch, predict where they'll finish and make a betting tip via oddschecker.
2023/24 Season Roundup
Bournemouth started the season poorly, and pressure quickly mounted on Andoni Iraola. However, the Spaniard steadied the ship on the south coast and ultimately guided the Cherries to 12th. Their form around Christmas was ultimately key as they beat the drop.
Key Player - Marcos Senesi
Dominic Solanke's move to Tottenham is a blow to Bournemouth, and the striker's exit will mean there is now greater pressure on the defence to keep opponents out. Marcos Senesi was a solid performer in the Cherries backline in 2023/24, and a handy performer in the final third, too, having scored four and provided five assists.
Signing to Watch - Enes Unal
Enes Unal isn't necessarily a readymade replacement for Dominic Solanke but the Turkish forward maximised his time on the pitch following his loan arrival at the turn of the year. Indeed, Unal scored two and provided two assists despite registering just 321 minutes of game time. Bournemouth made the 27-year-old's move permanent this summer in what could prove a solid piece of business.
Predicted finish - 14th
Betting tip
We've placed Bournemouth in 14th for the 2024/25 season. Dominic Solanke's exit was a huge blow for the Cherries, the 26-year-old having scored 19 times in the Premier League last season. Nevertheless, with managerial change at Brighton and Saints potentially dropping back into the Championship at the first time of asking, Bournemouth will fancy their chances of finishing as the top south coast side.
With that, Bournemouth to finish as the top south east and west club is available at 7/4 with Sky Bet, via oddschecker. (Price correct as of 11:30 on 12/08/2024).