Bournemouth turn their focus to the UEFA Europa League as they host Italian giants AC Milan at Vitality Stadium on Thursday. The Cherries head into the match on a two-game winning run, having beaten Sturm Graz in Europe and Sunderland in the Premier League last weekend. Their recent form in the last five games shows three wins and two losses, and they have scored nine goals while conceding thirteen in the league this season.
Tavernier, who opened the scoring in the sixth minute, is the club's top scorer this season with four goals in seven appearances.
Opponent’s recent momentum
AC Milan arrive in Dorset in formidable form, having won their last three matches across Serie A and Europe. Their recent results include a 4-0 away victory over Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League and a 3-2 home win against Atalanta last weekend. This presents a significant step up in quality for Bournemouth's defence.
Squad and tactical setup
Iraola is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation that proved successful against Sunderland. That lineup featured Đorđe Petrović in goal, a back four of Adam Smith, Hill, António Silva and Truffert, with Adams and Christie in midfield. The attacking trio of Rayan, Cook and Marcus Tavernier supported lone striker Evanilson, who has scored in his last two outings, including the second goal against Sunderland and the opener in the 3-0 win over Sturm Graz. The manager has no new injury concerns to report from the weekend.
The match is the third fixture of the Europa League's new league stage. Bournemouth will be looking to build on their positive start in the competition, which includes that 3-0 win over Sturm Graz and an opening 2-1 victory away to Real Sociedad. A win would see them take a major step towards qualification for the knockout phase.
United are currently 13th in the table, just three points ahead of Bournemouth, who are fifteen points behind the league leaders. The team's recent results also include a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea and a 0-1 loss to Liverpool.
