Bournemouth are all set to stake their claim to make club history and extend their FA Cup run as they look to defeat the inconsistent Everton at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening in the fifth round of the cup.
The Cherries’ main focus for the season will, of course, predominantly lie with Premier League safety. However, a cup run would be a wonderful feeling for the Bournemouth faithful to experience and really get behind.
Here is a line-up of the best players from the Cherries and their opponents Everton, ahead of the match.
Artur Boruc
Boruc easily makes this team because, despite his knack of unpredictability, he is a much better ‘keeper than Tim Howard due to his superior reflexes and handling.
Seamus Coleman
Although Adam Smith is enjoying a good season at right-back for the Cherries, Coleman is a cut above and comfortably makes the team.
John Stones
Stones is a no-brainer in this team, with his maturity and composure being such an impressive feature of the young defender, it is impossible to leave him out.
Ramiro Funes Mori
This position was a tough one, with Phil Jagielka and Tommy Elphick both springing to mind. However, with Funes Mori’s exceptional performances upon his arrival at Goodison Park, he is the one that makes the cut.
Leighton Baines
Finishing off an all-Everton defence is Leighton Baines. Similarly to the situation with Smith against Coleman, Cherries left-back Charlie Daniels is enjoying an impressive debut season in the Premier League, however, England international Baines is simply on a different level.
Harry Arter
Arter makes the team just ahead of Muhamed Besic and Tom Cleverley due to his work-rate and exceptional vision.
James McCarthy
McCarthy was the obvious choice for the team, given his excellent technical ability and composure.
Matt Ritchie
Ritchie makes the team ahead of Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu due to his outstanding crossing ability and eye for goal. A very close one.
Ross Barkley
Barkley was an easy inclusion in this team. His shooting, confidence and direct attacking displays have helped the youngster to have the reputation that he currently carries; one that could be a massive star in the future.
Max Gradel
Gradel is included in the team due to his exhilarating speed and eye for goal; one that the Cherries have missed in his absence.
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku is an easy choice for this team and is possibly the best player here. His incredible form throughout the season gets him in ahead of Callum Wilson.