High-flying AFC Bournemouth host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, as the Cherries look to continue their impressive start to the season.
Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola’s side sit third in the table after eight games with results against Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Fulham.
Despite this, Iraola was quick to point out how it was too early to “read into the standings” as he said: “you lose two games and then you see yourself in a much lower position.”
This comes after a squad overhaul during the summer in which saw £200 million worth of talent leave the Vitality including defensive stalwarts Ilya Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez alongside wonder-kid Dean Huijsen.
Summer signing Eli Junior Kroupi has impressed so far as this season following his move from French club FC Lorient as he’s notched up three goals in five league appearances for the Cherries and can be expected to feature once again.
Andoni said: “With Junior I don’t think it’s about the goals.
“It’s about what else he needs to establish himself in the Premier League.”
He added: “We are asking him a lot.
“It’s a big jump coming the French second division to play significant minutes in the Premier League and he has to do this adaptation process.”
“And if he does it, obviously scoring goals and giving performances, he’s always much better.”
Iraola confirmed that striker Evanilson won’t feature on Sunday following his injury however, brought good news regarding fellow forwards David Brooks and Enes Ünal with the pair both confirmed to be back in full training.
Iraola said: “It has been a long process for him [Enes Ünal], about nine months, but I see him in a very good mood now.
“He sees now that he can train with the teammates normally, we are training him now like a normal player.”
This will come as welcome news for fans after the forward tore his cruciate ligament back in January.
Bournemouth’s opponents, Nottingham Forrest, are off the back of a midweek victory under new manager Sean Dyche, as they defeated Porto in the Europa League to win their first win since August.
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