2019/20 Premier League preview - Bournemouth: Eddie Howe's attacking ethos to go on

Richard Jolly runs the rule over Bournemouth ahead of the new season, including key player, new signing to watch and predicted league finish

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth at The Hawthorns on July 26, 2019 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Show less

The formula is idiosyncratic but reasonably successful. Bournemouth spend quite a lot of money, concede too many goals, record a couple of memorable wins against the top six and survive with something to spare.

They benefited from a good start, lost 17 of the last 28 league games, had an awful away record when they did not take a point on their travels between October and March, conceded more goals than Cardiff but stayed up by 11 points.

But it is a sign of Eddie Howe’s attacking ethos that only the top six scored more and, while £13 million Liam Kelly will be charged with improving their wretched defensive record, that firepower should take them into mid-table again.

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Who finishes where in 2019-20?

20. Sheffield United. Chris Wilder, pictured, has achieved a great deal in getting the Blades up, but staying in the top flight could be a task too far. PA Photo

19. Brighton & Hove Albion. Graham Potter, pictured, faces a tough ask after taking over as manager from Chris Hughton. Getty

18. Newcastle United. A tough set of opening home fixtures could be difficult for Steve Bruce, pictured, and his side to recover from. Getty

17. Norwich City. They need to tighten up defensively but the goals of Teemu Pukki, pictured, can keep them up. Getty

16. Aston Villa. Jack Grealish, pictured, will have a key role to play in Villa's survival hopes. Getty

15. Burnley. Sean Dyche's, pictured, team to have a steadier time of things after last season's early struggles. Reuters

14. Bournemouth. Eddie Howe's side to maintain their attacking ethos though they will help Lloyd Kelly, pictured, can help shore things up at the other end. Getty

13. Crystal Palace. Once again will be dependent on the goals of Wilfried Zaha, pictured. Reuters

12. Watford. Concerns over a leaky defence but the quality of Gerard Deulofeu, pictured, should leave them in mid-table. AP Photo

11. Southampton. Stability should come the Saints way under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, pictured. PA Photo

10. Wolverhampton Wanderers. Balancing Europa League with domestic games may prove tough. Will look to more fine form from captain Conor Coady, pictured. Getty

9. West Ham United. Should be another solid season with the hope Felipe Anderson, pictured, can kick on. Getty

8. Everton. Bringing in Moise Kean, pictured, is a coup and should help Marco Silva's side continue to progress. Getty

7. Leicester City. Signing Youri Tielemans, pictured, permanently will boost Leicester's hopes of a real push at the top six. Reuters

6. Arsenal. Unai Emery will hope the record signing of Nicolas Pepe and the goals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, pictured, can push them closer to the top four. EPA

5. Chelsea. New manager Frank Lampard needs big things from Christian Pulisic, pictured, if they are to excel. Reuters

4. Manchester United. Signings such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, pictured, will tighten things up and should get United back in top four. Getty

3. Tottenham Hotspur. Third place again for Spurs, though more is needed from Dele Alli, pictured. Getty

2. Liverpool. Mohamed Salah, pictured, will be pivotal again but Jurgen Klopp's men to finish behind City again. AFP

1. Manchester City. Hard to see beyond another title success for Pep Guardiola's, pictured, side. Getty

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Key player: Ryan Fraser

Only Eden Hazard got more assists in last season’s Premier League, and only by one. No one created more goals for one teammate, with Fraser setting up seven for Callum Wilson. That symbiotic relationship makes the Scot a matchwinner and while his excellence attracted Arsenal’s attention, Bournemouth can be relieved he has stayed.

Signing to watch: Philip Billing

The £15 million midfielder is a player of huge potential, even if he never quite fulfilled it at Huddersfield Town. He was voted Players’ Player of the Year last season but exiled from the team after falling out with Jan Siewert. A towering figure possesses a fine long-range shot, though he could do with improving his heading.

Talking point: What now for Dominic Solanke?

Bournemouth have shown great generosity towards Liverpool by paying inflated fees for squad members. The Under-19 World Cup winner Solanke joined for £19m in January, played only 342 minutes of football and failed to score.

With Wilson established as the potent spearhead, with the impressive, incisive trio of Fraser, Josh King and David Brooks all flourishing as the supporting trio, there is no vacancy in the side. Wilson is injury prone and has admirers, but Solanke’s signing feels strange unless he is going to play a more prominent role.

Prediction: 14th