Glenn Murray to fill Callum Wilson’s Bournemouth void
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Callum Wilson’s injury last weekend and subsequent six-month layoff diagnosis is just the latest cruel blow to Bournemouth’s debut Premier League campaign.
Having seen Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel already ruled out for substantial periods, the loss of Wilson after such a strong start was a real hammer blow to the Dorset club.
Even with a fully fit side, the Premier League new boys knew they would be up against it this term, but after seven games they sit outside the drop zone in a very commendable 16th place.
They’ve looked a credible outfit in every fixture, and despite Wilson’s loss, they have a man who can continue to provide an outlet up front.
Glenn Murray joined the Cherries in the summer after a successful four seasons at Crystal Palace.
The Englishman knows full well what it’s like to be with a newly-promoted team, and his seven goals in 17 league appearances for the Eagles last season was a very respectable return in the top tier.
Murray’s non-league beginning to his football career could also be a blessing for the club, who may need to grind out some scrappy points in the coming months.
Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick has backed his former Brighton team-mate to do the job, and the 32-year-old forward is 5/1 to net the opener against Watford.
Wilson’s form this season saw him net six goals and kept Murray on the bench, and with Lee Tomlin, Josh King and Yann Kermorgant also at Eddie Howe’s disposal to lead the line, you can back Murray at 9/5 anytime with a starting position not a guarantee.
The Cherries did just fine against their Premier League-returning opposition in last year’s Championship, claiming a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road before a 2-0 win at home in January en route to stealing the title from under the Hornets’ wings.
Bournemouth are evens with Ladbrokes to win the contest, with the visitors at 13/5 and a draw between last season’s Championship protagonists available at 23/10.
With games against Manchester City and Tottenham coming up, this is a huge game for the hosts at Dean Court, but in Murray they have a player plenty capable of hauling them to success.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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