CHERRIES return to Vitality Stadium this weekend hoping to complete a second league double of the season when they face Sheffield United (3pm) – but who should start for the hosts?

A 2-0 victory over Burnley last time out snapped a poor run of form to start 2024, Cherries finally recording a first Premier League win of the calendar year at the seventh time of asking.

Injuries again restrict Andoni Iraola’s options, but staying as close to a winning team as possible might prove too tempting.

Here is our attempt at predicting the starting lineup for today’s game.

Goalkeeper and defence

Whilst social media was ablaze with the rumour that Max Kinsey will make his Premier League debut on Friday, thanks to his uncle texting into BBC Radio 2, there is little to imply from Andoni Iraola’s press conference that Cherries will turn to the youngster to address their defensive woes.

Marcos Senesi and Lloyd Kelly are both ruled out, meaning it is likely that Chris Mepham will partner Illia Zabarnyi in the centre of defence.

With no other returnees from injury, Adam Smith and Milos Kerkez will keep their full-back berths.

Goalkeeper Neto was a big part of Cherries’ clean sheet away at Burnley last time out, and he will hope to record another this afternoon.

Central midfield

Lewis Cook’s two assists at Burnley highlighted a midfielder in fine form.

Usually Cook’s role is based around less glamorous aspects of football, but the York-born man reminded us of his creative chops.

But it is his work rate, positioning and general nous that has made him a mainstay in Iraola’s midfield. The same can be said for Ryan Christie, who had an off week last time out – due to illness.

If the Scot feels back to his best, then there seems little reason to replace him.

Ahead of the two central midfielders, the number 10 role has become Justin Kluivert’s to lose again. The Dutchman recorded his fourth Premier League goal of the campaign against Burnley – his first came in the return fixture against Sheffield United in November.

Wingers and forward

Cherries’ wingers for the Burnley game were in contrasting form. Antoine Semenyo now has two goals in his last four Premier League games, the natural number nine showcasing his shooting ability.

Capable of cutting in and not one to turn down a shot, Semenyo is verging into the territory of being one of the first names on Andoni Iraola’s team sheet.

On the other flank, Marcus Tavernier has come in for some criticism from sections of Cherries’ fanbase.

Last season the former Middlesbrough man was Cherries’ creator-in-chief, his side at times reliant on his ability to conjure something out of nothing.

So far this term, that has not clicked for Tavernier – except when Cherries last faced Sheffield United. The Yorkshire-born winger produced two goals in a 3-1 win in his home county, and will hope for another goal scoring return to silence doubters.

Iraola has seemed pleased enough with Tavernier, and whilst there is the argument for Luis Sinisterra to start, it appears Tavs will remain in situ.

Once again pre-match build-up has been dominated by one topic this week – the availability of Dominic Solanke.

Cherries supporters and Fantasy Premier League managers alike have sweated over Solanke’s knee issue, but most signs are pointing towards the talismanic striker leading the line once again.

However, with a short turnaround to the Luton game on Wednesday night, there could be a minutes restriction in order to get the most out of Solanke.

Cherries: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Mepham, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Solanke.