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Did anyone provide Howe with an additional selection problem?

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AFC Bournemouth hosted the fourth tier outfit from stadium:MK on Tuesday night in the EFL Cup.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe made 10 changes to the starting XI that had started the games against Cardiff City, West Ham United and Everton.

The only man to keep his shirt for this game was Ryan Fraser, who after four games, could be argued as a shoo-in for the August player of the month award.

Those stepping into the side were Artur Boruc for Asmir Begovic in goal.

Out went the back four of Adam Smith, Steve Cook, Nathan Ake and Charlie Daniels and in came Simon Francis, Jack Simpson, Tyrone Mings and new singing Diego Rico in his first game following suspension.

In midfield and David Brooks, Dan Gosling, Andrew Surman all dropped out of the side in favour of Jordon Ibe, Lewis Cook and record signing Jefferson Lerma.

Up front and Callum Wilson and Joshua King made way for Lys Mousset and Jermain Defoe.

This was the opportunity for those players to stake a claim for a start in the upcoming Premier League fixture away to Chelsea.

Did anyone cause any selection headaches for Howe?

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told afcb.co.uk

“I’m pleased as these are always difficult games and MK Dons have had a good start to the season so we were anticipating a tough game but I was really pleased with the attitude of the players to approach the game in the way that we did.

“The first half was really intense and we were very good in and out of possession. The game slowed down in the second half which was a little bit frustrating for us but in the end we’re very pleased.

“…There’s plenty to go away and think about from my perspective. We’ve got a tough game at Chelsea to come, we’ve started the season very well and I really wanted the players today to perform well to give me those extra selection problems and to try and see who can fit into the team…”

Your say…

SlowDownDerek wrote…

Good fun that game – in fact following AFCB, in general, is pretty good at the moment – our biggest problems are too many options.

Lerma looked decent and importantly something we don’t have already. Who knows if he’ll get the nod against Chelsea but it wouldn’t surprise me. Fair enough it was poor opposition tonight but he’s played at a decent level so you’ve got to throw him in at some point.

Bit harsh to talk of Lewis Cook as if he’s half the player he was – he looked ok in parts but it’s true that he gave it away way too much, particularly at the start of the second half. I’m confident a run of games will have him back to his best but to be fair he’s not done enough to justify a place in the starting line up either in preseason or the games he’s played. Lerma should get a chance first on this evidence.

Rico looked good – I’m not sure I’d drop Daniels for him but I would if he has a 6/10 performance against Chelsea.

Mousset looked the better of the strikers – Defoe miles off it to be fair. Hopefully, the injury isn’t too bad.

Ibe was fine – obviously erratic but talk of him being dreadful is just wrong. He hit two awful shots and gave it away and slowed it a bit – like he does – but he also created some decent chances and got some decent crosses in – like he does.

All in all though despite some pretty good performances you’d only say one of them was a cast iron starter and that’s Fraser who is arguably our best player at the moment. – Join the conversation, click here.

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