Andoni Iraola has challenged his Bournemouth team to deliver their best performance against a strong Tottenham side. Tottenham’s impressive form, including a win over Manchester City, makes them a tough opponent. Bournemouth needs to recover from their EFL Cup loss and focus on the Premier League challenge. Key players like Brennan Johnson for Tottenham and Antoine Semenyo for Bournemouth are highlighted. Pundits predict a Tottenham victory based on historical data and current form.
Andoni Iraola has issued a rallying cry to his Bournemouth squad, emphasizing the need for them to perform at their absolute peak when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Cherries' manager recognizes the formidable challenge posed by Spurs, who are currently riding high after a stunning victory over Manchester City.
Tottenham's impressive start to the season includes a 2-0 away win against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, fueled by goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha in the first half. This victory followed a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Burnley on the opening weekend, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. They sit second in the league on goal difference behind bitter rivals Arsenal, with Liverpool the only other team to win all three of their matches so far.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, began their 2025-26 campaign with a 4-2 defeat at Anfield before bouncing back with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves at the Vitality Stadium. However, their momentum was disrupted by a 2-0 loss to Brentford in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Iraola is determined to put that defeat behind them and channel all their energy into preparing for the crucial match against Spurs.
"The priority is to recover and prepare well, because we’re playing against a team that just came from a win against City away, two games, six points," Iraola stated, highlighting the magnitude of the task ahead. He made it clear that only their very best will suffice to compete against such a confident and in-form opponent.
Back home on Saturday
@Castrol pic.twitter.com/Zw5uS2dMbR
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 27, 2025
Tottenham will be aiming to secure their third consecutive clean sheet against Bournemouth as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the league standings. However, despite their strong start, Spurs will be mindful of Bournemouth's capabilities, having only managed one win in their last three encounters against the Cherries, conceding six goals in the process.
Joao Palhinha has expressed his admiration for the team's unwavering mentality, emphasizing the collective effort and determination displayed in their victory over Manchester City. "What I take from the game is the mentality of the team and the way that I saw my team-mates running behind, helping each other. This is what makes me proud, to be honest," he remarked, highlighting the importance of unity and resilience in achieving success.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tottenham – Brennan Johnson
Brennan Johnson's decisive goal in last season's Europa League final, which ended Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought, has solidified his status as a key player. The 24-year-old has continued his impressive form this season, scoring two goals in two games, making him one of only two players to have scored in consecutive matches.
Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has also been in fine form, scoring two goals this season, including a brace against Liverpool. The 25-year-old forward played a crucial role in Bournemouth's success last season, contributing 16 goal involvements in the league. He has been involved in eight of the Cherries' last 10 Premier League goals, scoring six and assisting two.
MATCH PREDICTION: TOTTENHAM WIN
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank boasts an impressive record against Bournemouth in the Premier League, remaining undefeated in six meetings, with four wins and two draws. Among rival managers, only David Moyes has suffered more defeats to him than Andoni Iraola.
Having won his first two league games as Spurs manager, Frank is aiming to become only the second Tottenham manager to begin his tenure with three consecutive top-flight victories, a feat previously achieved by Nuno Espirito Santo in 2021.
Historically, Tottenham have dominated this fixture, winning 11 of their 16 league encounters with Bournemouth. However, the Cherries managed to secure four points against them last season.
Since their return to the Premier League in 2022, Bournemouth have accumulated more points in their six games against Spurs than they did in their previous stint between 2015 and 2020. Furthermore, Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last six away Premier League matches in London, showcasing their resilience on the road.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Tottenham – 52.7%
Draw – 22.7%
Bournemouth – 24.6%