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Bournemouth vs. Southampton: Opposition threat

By Ewan Kingsbury

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Eddie Howe, manager of Bournemouth looks on during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town at Vitality Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Eddie Howe, manager of Bournemouth looks on during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town at Vitality Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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SWANSEA, WALES – NOVEMBER 25: Andrew Surman of AFC Bournemouth wears a rainbow captain’s armband during the Premier League match between Swansea City and AFC Bournemouth at Liberty Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES – NOVEMBER 25: Andrew Surman of AFC Bournemouth wears a rainbow captain’s armband during the Premier League match between Swansea City and AFC Bournemouth at Liberty Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Andrew Surman

Ex-Southampton midfielder Surman has forced his way back into a Cherries starting berth this season – and has impressed in the heart of midfield with two goals and two assists so far this term.

Southampton fans will, of course, be aware of what Surman is capable of on his day, after he left the Saints in 2009 against the fan’s wishes. Surman has a great range of passing which could cause the Southampton defence problems, as well as a good cultured finish in and around the box.

Surman rarely wastes possession with a passing accuracy of 83% – and keeping possesion will be paramount against a Southampton side who like to have most of the ball. Surman can use his expert passing to find the runs of Josh King and Callum Wilson, who as aforementioned will cause the Saints defence problems with their direct running and pace.