Premier League rankings: Bournemouth analysis, line-up & predicted finish

Premier League survival will never be taken for granted at Bournemouth but this will be their fifth season in the top flight and they are becoming an established part of England's elite.

Those previous four campaigns have resulted in finishing positions of 16-9-12-14 for an average placing of 12.75, which rounded up looks a solid shout for this term's estimated end result.

Only the big six scored more than Bournemouth's goal tally of 56 last term and the positive approach strictly stipulated by Eddie Howe normally enables the Cherries to collect enough points against the lesser lights to comfortably avoid relegation.

Callum Wilson is the main beneficiary of those tactics with the England striker, fresh from signing a new deal with Bournemouth, looking for a big return in 2019-20 to cement his spot in Gareth Southgate's European Championship squad.

Wilson scored 14 Premier League goals last season, one short of his desired target, and half of those were assisted by wee winger Ryan Fraser.

It was the most successful assist-to-goalscorer combination in the league, so it will be imperative Fraser remains at Dean Court despite entering the final year of his contract.

Bournemouth clearly need to work on their defensive diligence after conceding 70 goals - only relegated pair Huddersfield and Fulham shipped more - although they managed a respectable ten clean sheets.

When they lose Howe's side often collapse, leaking 22 times in defeats at the big six for example.

Howe has managed to maintain the services of crack centre-back Nathan Ake and add highly-rated EFL full-backs Jack Stacey and Lloyd Kelly from Luton and Bristol City respectively with both possessing the potential to make impacts akin to David Brooks, who took a similar path from Sheffield United 12 months ago.

Next on the signing list must be a goalkeeper.

Bournemouth used three goalies last season and Asmir Begovic had the worst save percentage in the league, while also committing more errors which led to goals than any other keeper.

Possible team (4-2-3-1): Boruc; Stacey, Mepham, Ake, Kelly; Lerma, L Cook; Brooks, King, Fraser; Wilson.

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport