Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur. Premier League.
Vitality StadiumAttendance10,623.
Saturday 10 March 2018 14:34, UK
Tottenham Hotspur take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Super Sunday looking to recover from their Champions League defeat to Juventus in midweek
However, the north London club - who travel to the south coast sitting fourth in the Premier League, just two points behind third-placed Liverpool - cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves, says boss Mauricio Pochettino.
"It's now a moment to think of the next game," he said. "The competition doesn't wait for you, if you're happy or sad, the team has to move on and think about the weekend."
As for Spurs' opponents this weekend, manager Eddie Howe has confirmed he is considering unleashing fit-again Jermain Defoe against one of the England striker's former sides.
"Jermain was out quite a long time with his ankle injury, but he has come back, looked good and made a difference in the Newcastle game, so certainly he is in my mind," the Bournemouth manager said.
"I am sure Jermain will be keen to play and show what he can do. His motivation is very high and it has been all season.
"He has always had that desire to score goals, whether in training or a match, that will never leave him.
"We are delighted to have Jermain here."
Bournemouth have doubts over wingers Jordon Ibe, Marc Pugh and Ryan Fraser. Pugh has been carrying a calf problem, while Ibe has been sidelined by a hamstring injury and Fraser, who was on the bench against Leicester last weekend, will be monitored on his back issue.
Defoe, fit again following an ankle injury, could start against one of his old clubs, while defender Tyrone Mings continues his rehabilitation from a back problem.
Meanwhile, Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier is a doubt for the game after sustaining an elbow injury in the midweek Champions League clash with Juventus and faces a late assessment.
Defender Toby Alderweireld remains unavailable because of a hamstring problem, while full-back Serge Aurier is back in contention after his European suspension.
Bournemouth have lost four of their five Premier League meetings with Tottenham, with the exception being a 0-0 draw in this exact fixture last season.
Tottenham's only defeat against Bournemouth in any competition was in their only non-Premier League meeting with them - a 1-3 loss in the FA Cup in February 1957.
The Cherries haven't scored in any of their last four Premier League meetings with Spurs, with Matt Ritchie's strike 49 seconds into their first ever such meeting with them remaining their only goal in this fixture.
Bournemouth have kept just one clean sheet in their last 16 Premier League games, with that shutout coming in a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Cherries have only lost one of their last 10 Premier League games (W4 D5) - only Tottenham themselves have lost fewer over the last 10 (0).
Spurs are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League matches, winning the last three without conceding. They last won four in a row while keeping a clean sheet in April 2017.
There's got to be a Champions League hangover for Tottenham. They were cruising along, 1-0 up, and then three minutes later they're out. It'll have an effect. They'll have one eye on next week in the FA Cup, and another season without winning anything.
I think Spurs will win, but if Bournemouth are on it they could get something, most definitely. They have a go, they open up and have a go. Sometimes they get punished for it, but sometimes it pays off. I like the way they play.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (7/1 with SkyBet)
