Perfect XI. Eight Straight? Bournemouth Heads to Ipswich

Seven straight wins have changed the conversation around AFC Bournemouth. The question isn't whether Marco Rose's team can put together a good performance. It's whether the combination of defensive discipline, aggressive attacking and increasingly ruthless finishing can travel to Ipswich and deliver an eighth.

Our own pre-match selection has already passed its first test. The TAC Prediction Lab lineup, published November 7, correctly named all 11 starters in the confirmed 4-2-3-1 — including the decision to select Ryan Christie over Lewis Cook.

The lineup: 11 out of 11

It's a recognizable league core after the midweek European rotation. Evanilson leads the line, Kluivert links the attack, and Tavernier and Rayan give Bournemouth width and direct running. Adams and Christie provide the platform behind them, with Hill and Silva continuing together at centre-back.

The call that mattered: Christie over Cook. It wasn't the automatic choice, particularly after a busy European week, but Rose made the same decision we did.

Why we're backing three Bournemouth goals

Recent results suggest Bournemouth have been finishing above their underlying chance quality. Across the four matches we reviewed, they scored 11 goals from 8.23 FotMob expected goals — a surplus of 2.77 goals. That's evidence of a hot finishing run, not proof that the same conversion rate will last forever.

Our original published model leaned Bournemouth: 47.8% win, 23.7% draw, 28.6% Ipswich win, with projected xG of 1.72 for Bournemouth and 1.28 for Ipswich. That initial graphic carried a 1–2 pick. Our subsequent editorial revision is 1–3 Bournemouth, reflecting recent finishing, the confirmed attacking lineup and confidence in Rose's game management. The original model is retained for honest tracking.

Four things we're watching

1. Christie and Adams controlling transitions

Ipswich don't need to dominate possession to threaten. The midfield pair must keep Bournemouth's shape intact when attacks break down. Christie offers mobility and pressing support; Adams can break up counters and help the defence reset.

2. The front four's finishing

Evanilson's movement gives Kluivert a target between the lines, while Tavernier and Rayan can attack space from opposite sides. Bournemouth's recent goals-above-xG run makes this an especially interesting test: are the Cherries creating repeatable high-quality openings, or enjoying a finishing streak that will eventually cool?

3. Rose's bench and the final half-hour

The Prague comeback demonstrated the impact of timely changes. Tyler Adams, Evanilson and Rayan were all part of that second-half turnaround. Against Ipswich, watch whether Rose introduces fresh attacking legs or adjusts midfield control as the match opens up. The exact substitution plan depends on the confirmed bench and match state.

4. Alex Scott is back in the matchday squad

One of the biggest developments isn't in the starting XI — it's on the bench. AFC Bournemouth's official team sheet confirms Alex Scott among the substitutes after his injury absence. Rose now has another midfield option alongside Lewis Cook. Whether Scott plays, and for how long, will depend on his readiness and the match situation. His return to the squad is encouraging ahead of the international break.

The Cherry on Top

Our lineup model has already delivered the cleanest possible result: 11/11. The harder part starts at kickoff. Ipswich at home should not be dismissed, and a three-goal Bournemouth performance is an editorial call rather than the single most likely exact score.

TAC pick: Ipswich Town 1–3 AFC Bournemouth. Eight straight? That's the bet.

An American Take on the Cherries.