ANDONI Iraola believes whoever wins the midfield battle will be “very important” to the outcome of his side’s contest against Tottenham Hotspur.

Cherries welcome Ange Postecoglou’s unbeaten Spurs to Vitality Stadium today (12.30pm).

And Iraola has highlighted the area of the pitch he feels will be key as both sides look to get on the front foot.

“I think both teams will fight for the possession,” said Iraola.

“Both teams will go to try and press and it’s going to be very important who wins the duels in the midfield.

“When both teams want the ball and want to jump for the ball and there are spaces behind both lines.

“Whoever wins the duels in the middle is the one that can attack those spaces.”

Cherries currently have the likes of Joe Rothwell, Philip Billing, Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook and Gavin Kilkenny as options in central midfield, with Tyler Adams and Alex Scott out injured.

Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and James Maddison have filled those roles for Spurs so far this season.