Howe plans ahead without Wilson

In the battle of two promoted sides, Bournemouth will be looking to recover from the crushing news that star striker, Callum Wilson, will be out for 6 months, becoming the third Cherries player to suffer a cruciate ligament injury this season.

New signings Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel are both on the sidelines and not expected to return until next year, and the club could now be forced to go back into the transfer market in January to strengthen their attack as they bid to stay in the top flight. It will also be odd seeing a Bournemouth side without the Englishman up front something that manager Eddie Howe realises.

“We’re going to be a different team now with Callum being out”, Cherries boss Howe told reporters at a press conference.

Given they have now taken the major step up into the Premier League, the start of the season has probably been better than in 2014-15, but serious injuries are starting to bedevil the club.

One player should not define any club and last season, many members of Eddie Howe’s team were capable of scoring.

Having played an influential role in Bournemouth’s promotion to the Premier League, the midfielder has had a decent start to the Premier League with the key highlight thus far being the wonder goal against Sunderland.

Watford have posted the lowest chance conversion rate in the top-flight this season (7.9% – five goals from 63 shots).

Wilson had made a stunning start to life in the Premier League with five goals in his first six matches for the newly-promoted Cherries.

It is Watford’s defence that has been so impressive in the first seven games.

Watford finished second in the Championship last season behind Bournemouth, so Hornets head coach Quique Sanchez Flores is aware of Bournemouth’s strengths. We respect them very much as they won the league previous year.

“But we will have to make the team work if he is out for a period of time”.

‘I am excited to see a different side to our game and see how we adapt to that’.

Ben Watson continues to deputise for Valon Behrami in midfield for the visitors, as the Swiss worldwide serves the final game of a three-match suspension. Joel Ekstrand is still no closer to making a return from a long-term injury, but the doubtful Lloyd Doyley might be able to make a late push in order to give Flores something to think about at the back.