We have had a go at predicting the starting XI for today’s game, judging by Andoni Iraola’s pre-match comments and performances from last weekend.

Goalkeeper and defence

Named captain for the 23/24 campaign, it is almost a certainty we will see Neto in between the sticks.

Already we are starting to see a settled team from Cherries, with the backline unchanged during the first two games of the season.

That is largely due to a lack of available options, with only Illia Zabarnyi perhaps looking over his shoulder with Chris Mepham waiting in the wings.

However, the Ukrainian is showing week after week that he is learning how to play Iraola’s system, and as such, it appears it will be the same defence against Tottenham.

At full-back, there seems no reason to change up from Max Aarons and Milos Kerkez.

Midfield

Whilst Iraola hinted that Lewis Cook is approaching a return from injury, it seems likely that he will only be risked in the EFL Cup tie away at Swansea City in midweek.

As such, it is hard to look past the central midfield combination of Joe Rothwell and Philip Billing.

Similarly, Ryan Christie fits Iraola’s high pressing system like a glove, and it makes sense that we will again see the Scot as the number 10.

Attackers

After providing Dominic Solanke with the assist for Cherries’ equaliser against West Ham on the opening day, Antoine Semenyo added another goal contribution at Anfield, blasting home the only goal of the game for the away team.

Having impressed enough with a small cameo to start the season, the Ghanaian international was lively and direct again last Saturday, meaning it appears likely he will get the nod again.

The plentiful options on the wings for Iraola means that each week most speculation will consist of who starts out wide.

It is perhaps harsh to suggest that Jaidon Anthony will be dropped for the visit of Tottenham this weekend, but with multiple options on the bench, it seems that players will have to actively impress in order to maintain their starting position.

The Jamaica-eligible winger is clearly in the thoughts of his new boss, having started both of Cherries’ Premier League fixtures, but he was quiet against Liverpool – understandable considering he was up against Trent Alexander-Arnold.

It should also be said that he was unfortunate to have a goal ruled out for offside, and that he did have his moments.

However, with fierce competition for his spot in the team, it would not be a total surprise to see him make way for either David Brooks or Justin Kluivert, especially with Marcus Tavernier and Dango Ouattara currently sidelined.

Kluivert is better suited to the left, and so we guess he will be picked to start against Spurs.

It is clear that Dominic Solanke is Cherries’ talisman up top, and that remains the case under Iraola.

Cherries are remaining firm in fending off interest from West Ham, with Solanke likely to lead the line once again.

Cherries predicted XI: Neto; Aarons, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Billing, Rothwell; Semenyo, Christie, Kluivert; Solanke.

Who do you think should start this afternoon? Let us know in the comments below.