3 things to look out for as AFC Bournemouth visit Middlesbrough

Goal-shy ‘Boro

Whilst Bournemouth have hardly been free-scoring in a Manchester City or Chelsea kind of way, the 6-1 demolition of Hull two weeks ago was a complete attacking performance, albeit in the face of some generous Tigers defending.

Unfortunately for Mike Phelan and his side, the Cherries won’t be the first or the last to give Hull a real hiding this year as they looked an incredibly poor side.

As Bournemouth went goal crazy, Middlesbrough struggled at home to Watford and then despite picking up a deserved point at Arsenal last time out, still look incredibly toothless in attack.

It shouldn’t be however as in Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo, ‘Boro have two proven goalscorers, albeit neither have ever really found their straps in the Premier League.

Ramirez never really settled at Southampton, whilst Negredo struggled in amongst the galaxy of superstars at Manchester City. Sadly for the Riverside regulars, neither have started their Middlesbrough careers that well either and this has contributed to a goal return of just seven for Karanka’s side so far.

Negredo was even unceremoniously dropped for the aforementioned home match with Watford and although restored to the starting line-up against Arsenal, he also drew a blank alongside Ramirez at the Emirates, with both failing to see out the full 90 minutes.

If Middlesbrough are to continue their quest to re-establish themselves as a top-flight team, their stuttering forwards need to hit their straps and if they do against Bournemouth, the Cherries could be in for a tough afternoon.