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A term that AFC Bournemouth supporters would have never used in the lower leagues of English football was a ‘free hit’.
After three seasons in the Premier League the term is now well known and applies to any game against one of the perceived top clubs in the Premier League.
A game where the points aren’t expected, so go out and enjoy it and cause an upset.
Down the years this has led to victories over Premier League champions Chelsea (twice), Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
The only two ‘big ones’ left are Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
AFC Bournemouth are currently three games without a victory, having gone the previous seven games without defeat.
That run of 17 points from 10 games has left the Cherries 12th, six points clear of relegation.
Tottenham head into the game undefeated in 2018 in domestic football.
Their last defeat came at the hands of the all-conquering Manchester City, since then they have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal and drawn with Liverpool.
They sit fourth in the Premier League table in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification.
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
AFC Bournemouth could be without three possible options to play out on the flanks with Jordon Ibe, Marc Pugh and Ryan Fraser all doubts.
If they all miss out, expect Adam Smith to once again fill in with Junior Stanislas the first choice option.
Jermain Defoe is also in contention to play against his former club.
Player to watch: Nathan Ake
The Dutch defender was recently awarded the February player of the month award, his fifth in seven months. His consistency since his £20million signing has played a part in the Cherries improved defensive form this campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News:
Alderweireld his sidelined with a hamstring injury, Dier is a doubt with an elbow complaint. They have no suspensions or further injuries, just bruised egos following their UEFA Champions League defeat to Juventus.
Player to watch: Harry Kane
Impossible to look past potentially the best striker in Europe right now. The England international has scored 35 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Before the Cherries promotion to the top flight of English football, their only meeting with Tottenham Hotspur came in the famous 3-1 FA Cup victory in 1957.
Since promotion to the Premier League the two sides have met a further five times.
AFC Bournemouth are yet to take all three points, with Spurs winning every game with the exception of the 0-0 draw in October 2016.
