Bournemouth reporter Tom Crocker explains Cherries’ gameplan | OneFootball

Tom Crocker, chief sports writer for Bournemouth Echo, believes the Cherries will “press high and waste little time in getting the ball forwards” against Brentford on Saturday.

Bournemouth have enjoyed a positive season under boss Andoni Iraola and recently set a new record Premier League points tally (48). Striker Dominic Solanke has been in fine form, netting 18 goals in 36 appearances.

Given the fact Bournemouth were in the relegation zone in October and, from the outside, Andoni Iraola looked to be under pressure, he has to be in the conversation for Manager of the Season, doesn’t he?

Given the way these awards tend to be handed out, I would be surprised if Iraola is in the mix, but he has certainly had a successful first season in England.

The first few months were tough for a few reasons, including the difficulty of the fixture list, players being unavailable and the squad taking time to adjust to a completely new way of playing.

There was never any real pressure from the club towards Iraola regarding his position, given they made the bold call to bring him in for Gary O’Neil in the first place. But the first win was certainly timely, and the team really kicked on from there.

The club’s highest league finish came in 2016/17, when Eddie Howe guided Bournemouth to ninth. It is still possible they could better that this season, so do you think they will be aiming for that?

The talk for quite a few weeks had been around breaking the record points tally of 48 as the main goal, which they have achieved.

Certainly, a top-half finish is attainable and is something they should be looking at with two games to go.

It would be just the second time the club have managed to finish in the top 10 if they can make it.

Which player should Brentford fans be keeping an eye out for on Saturday?

Antoine Semenyo has been a real surprise package this season and is always really exciting to watch. Full-backs have struggled to keep him quiet with his pace, power and directness.

Dominic Solanke’s goal tally also, of course, speaks for itself, while in midfieldLewis Cook and Ryan Christie have formed a superb partnership.

How is Iraola likely to set up his side at Vitality Stadium?

The same as every other game he goes into. It will essentially be a 4-2-3-1 and, given the absentees due to injury, illness and suspension, the line-up will likely be very similar to what it has been for the past couple of games.

Expect to see Bournemouth press high and waste little time in getting the ball forwards given the speed they have up front to exploit.

There have been two draws and one Brentford win in this fixture in the Premier League so far. What’s your score prediction for this one?

I think there will be a real determination to round off the home fixtures this season with a good display and a win.

The Cherries have lost just two home league matches since the turn of the year, against Liverpool and Manchester City.

I fancy them to win on Saturday, so will say 2-0.