Bournemouth vs Stoke City
Carabao Cup
Round 4
Wednesday
27th September 2023
Vitality Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL League Cup fixture between Bournemouth and Stoke City.
Bournemouth vs Stoke City: Preview
Bournemouth form analysis
The Cherries suffered a 0-2 home defeat to Tottenham initially, outclassed by the Champions League chasers. They did respond by coming from behind to beat Swansea 3-2 in the League Cup through goals from Brooks, Traore and Christie.
A spirited 2-2 draw at home against Brentford followed as Brooks and Solanke scored either side of Jensen and Mbeumo goals. Bournemouth then earned a creditable 0-0 home draw with Chelsea, showing defensive solidity. However, their defensive issues returned in a 1-3 home loss to Brighton, with only Solanke’s opener to show for their efforts.
Overall, it’s been an inconsistent start by Bournemouth on their Premier League return as expected. They’ve competed well in spells without sustaining it over 90 minutes. The resilient draws with Brentford and Chelsea demonstrated their spirit, but defensive lapses have cost them.
Solanke and Brooks have impressed in attack, but the new boss needs greater productivity from his forward line. If Bournemouth can cut out individual errors, they have a chance of surviving this season.
Stoke City form analysis
The Potters began their League Cup campaign in style, hammering Rotherham 6-1 at home with Laurent netting twice. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 0-2 home loss to Preston in the league.
Stoke then suffered a third straight defeat away at Norwich, with Stacey’s goal sealing a 1-0 win for the Canaries. They stopped the rot by fighting back from two down to draw 2-2 away at Huddersfield, thanks to goals from Johnson and Wilmot. Most recently though, defensive lapses returned in a 1-3 home loss to Hull, with only Vidigal’s late strike to show for their efforts.
Overall, it’s been a mixed start for Stoke under boss Alex Neil. They’ve showcased their attacking threat, scoring 8 goals in just 3 games. Laurent, Campbell and Vidigal have impressed going forward. However, sloppy defending has cost them dearly.
If Neil can make Stoke more solid at the back, they have the firepower to push for promotion. But cutting out individual errors and improving concentration must be priorities. Stoke have the talent in attack to thrive, but need to find greater defensive stability.
