Tottenham have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last 7 home matches against Bournemouth in all competitions

Tottenham Hotspur host European hopefuls Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday after they fell flat in Alkmaar on Thursday night.

Spurs had eight days to prepare for the first of two hugely significant games against Dutch side AZ, but they barely got out of first gear in the opening leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie and were fortunate to only lose 1-0.

Given that they’re out of both domestic cups and poised for a bottom half Premier League finish, Ange Postecoglou’s future hinges on Spurs’ progression in Europe. They have plenty of work to do in the second leg next week.

Bournemouth are hoping to enjoy their first taste of European football next season, and they’re currently well placed to make a strong push. Their form has wavered as of late after an excellent January, but they currently sit seventh in the Premier League having progressed into the FA Cup quarter-finals last week.

The race for Europe is bound to be fierce during the final ten games of the season, but the division’s improved coefficient means the top seven are likely to get a slice of the continental pie in 2025/26.

Residing in 13th, Spurs are ten points worse off than Sunday’s visitors, who also beat them 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the start of December.

Dominic Solanke made his comeback from a six-week injury layoff on Thursday but subsequently injured his lower back in a collision with the AZ goalkeeper and was forced off. The early signs suggest he won’t play against his former club.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven travelled with the squad to Alkmaar but didn’t take to the field. The pair might be considered on Sunday, but starts seem unlikely. Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin are also out.

Richarlison is edging closer to a return, while Dejan Kulusevski is out until after the international break with a foot injury.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Bournemouth (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr, Maddison; Odobert, Tel, Son.

Evanilson was back among the goals after returning to Bournemouth’s starting lineup last week against Wolves. Dango Ouattara performed admirably in the striker’s absence, but Solanke’s replacement should get the nod on Sunday.

Enes Unal is out for the long haul after tearing his ACL, and the Cherries are once again without the suspended Illia Zabarnyi. With Marcos Senesi not yet ready to return, Lewis Cook will continue in defence.

Bournemouth predicted lineup vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Cook, Hill, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.