Prediction League: The cherries away

Things were all looking quite rosy against Stoke. We were playing well, controlling the game and looking a constant menace down the left as Bertrand and Redmond were joined by Boufal in the roving 10 role.

Then even better, they were down to ten men and it was the dangerous enigma Arnautovic that saw red. Surely a first away league win in months was on the cards. WRONG!

In hindsight it was the worst possible thing that could have happened for us. What went from an open end to end game turned into a siege. And where before our left wing triumvirate skinned and got in behind the opposition. Now there was no space. Nil nil looked an inevitability.

And with that in mind today's game could bring with it the perfect opponents for Puel's boys. The cherries have a philosophy and they stick to it, especially at home. There will be no parking of any metaphorical buses. They will look to get on ball, push up and take the game to us. Plus there will be a pinch of added intensity that comes with local "rivality", as Claude likes to call it.

Coupled into Bournemouth's philosophy comes some defensive mistakes. The odd backpass goes array and we all know Artur Boruc has a penchant for the eccentric side of goalkeeper.

A win today will see the saints move up to seventh. Not bad going when you consider how unhappy alot of our fans are right now.

This season creating chances has not been an issue. We have wasted so many that it gets you wondering maybe, just maybe we could be in the thick of the top 6 had we bought a proper striker in the summer.

Saido Berahino is my man for the job. Quick, a lethal finisher and best of all he doesn't like Tony Pulis. Ticks all the right boxes.

There are still three matches before any reinforcements can be called in so lets just hope Long or Jay Rod can somehow bundle the ball into the back of the net with their arse or their elbow.

Predictions

Lawro: 2-0

Bournemouth remain inconsistent but, after dispatching Leicester on Tuesday night, the Cherries have won their last two home games and I am thinking that little run will continue.

Merse: 2-1

If you can't break down 10-man Stoke then you are going struggle. Saints will probably get one, but that won't be enough.

Will: 1-1

We can't score but Bournemouth always give you chances. Lets hope our players realise that the opposition think this game is a derby and up their game accordingly.

Dan V: 3-1

We've just got so little in front of goal atm and they are good at home, and revved up with it being their cup final...

George: 1-1

I still think we can get something. Bournemouth score a lot but can let in a few too- especially with their high line. 1-1

Jake: 0-1

I'm going to go for a Saints win. Yes, the eternal cynic reckons Saints will nick three points on the road.

Allen: 2-1

I'm going to say 2-1 Bournemouth. We'll pinch a late goal to at least make it look like we were there.