Bournemouthvs.Crystal Palace

Youngster Scott has not featured for the Cherries in any capacity since the end of October following a knee injury, and head coach Andoni Iraola is not expecting to have the attacker back in time for any festive fixtures.

The same can be said of Mexico international Araujo, meaning that Bournemouth are playing around with different options at right-back as 2024 draws to a close.

Adam Smith started in that position during the Cherries' 3-0 thumping of Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, with Lewis Cook replacing his teammate in defence for the second half.

Netting his second Premier League goal of the month, Dean Huijsen opened the scoring for Bournemouth against the Red Devils, with the 19-year-old to partner Illia Zabarnyi at centre-back once again in the continued absence of Marcos Senesi.

The Boxing Day hosts will require the engine and work ethic of Ryan Christie in the midfield during a busy December schedule, with leading marksman Justin Kluivert providing the magic at the tip of the midfield trio.

The Cherries are faring excellently despite missing the talents of both Luis Sinisterra (muscle) and Marcus Tavernier (hamstring), who are not expected back until the New Year.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup: Arrizabalaga; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Evanilson

Written by

Carter White