Bournemouth are tipped as potential Championship winners this season. Scott Parker arrived from Fulham and is expected to make the Cherries better.
Parker is an experienced coach at the Championship level. He took Fulham to the Premier League in 2019-20 through the playoffs.
Midfield 𝗺𝗮𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼 ✨ pic.twitter.com/dOvAN1tIs3— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 4, 2021
Midfield 𝗺𝗮𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼 ✨ pic.twitter.com/dOvAN1tIs3
After a disastrous season at Craven Cottage, he is now in charge of a strong side at Dean Court.
First up for Bournemouth in the Championship are West Brom, who are back in the league after one season away in the Premier League.
New manager Valerien Ismael has arrived from Barnsley, where he led the team to the promotion playoffs last term.
West Brom have plenty of question marks surrounding them. Despite giving up the Premier League’s most goals in 2020-21 and a lack of transfers being brought in this summer, plenty of EFL pundits expect the Baggies to bounce back to the Premier League this season.
Bournemouth had the Championship’s third-best attack in 2020-21. They scored 73 goals which was only behind Brentford and Norwich – both of those clubs achieved promotion.
Bournemouth did qualify for the promotion playoffs, but lost to Brentford in the semifinals.
The Cherries were under the management of Jason Tindall and later, Jonathan Woodgate last term. Parker is a far more competent coach than either of the two previous men, so expect Bournemouth to do well.
Parker will hope the side can replicate its home form from 2020-21. The Cherries record 42 points from 23 possible, which was the Championship’s fourth-best total.
West Brom are trying to sell Matheus Pereira to bring in much-needed funds. The forward is not in Ismael’s plans and doesn’t fit the side’s new 4-3-3 formation.
Ismael still needs a target man to lead the line, but may have to wait until Periera goes – if he does – to have the mone available to buy.
Midfielders Alex Mowatt, Quevin, and Adam Reach all arrived on free transfers. Defender Matt Clarke has joined on loan from Brighton.
Bournemouth have been smart in the transfer market – smarter than they seemed to be under the management of Eddie Howe. The club signed midfielder Emiliano Marcondes from Brentford on a free deal.
He will push the midfield forward and provide assists to Arnaut Danjuma and Dominic Solanke. The Cherries sold full-back Diego Rico to Real Sociedad but replaced him with Leif Davis on loan from Leeds United.
Bournemouth have already played a competitive game with a win coming in the Carabao Cup. They blasted MK Dons 5-0.
The Cherries should claim a win to start the Championship campaign. Over 2.5 goals should be scored on Friday as they smash past West Brom and lay down a marker for the season ahead.