FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 SIGN A BETTER GOALKEEPER

Three times last season, Asmir Begovic conceded from every shot on target that he faced in a game. His 56 per cent save success rate was the worst in the division, and he made more errors leading to a goal than any other player. Artur Boruc was slightly more reliable, but he’s 39, while Mark Travers – then the first teenage keeper since Joe Hart in 2006 to start a Premier League game – kept a clean sheet on debut but shipped five goals in his next match. While he has potential, having a top stopper now could turn relegation fears into a comfortable top-half finish.

2 DON’T BUY ON MERSEYSIDE

If Eddie Howe has a weakness, it’s his transfer dealings. The boyhood Everton fan has given Liverpool almost £40m since 2016 through the ineffectual signings of left-back Brad Smith, winger Jordon Ibe and youngster Dominic Solanke, followed by the loan deal for Nathaniel Clyne, presumably as some sort of frequent customer loyalty bonus. Simon Mignolet’s name has been floating around as well. The horror...

3 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF VAR

Video referees will fundamentally change the game, and Howe’s men are well placed to capitalise. No team had more opponents see red in 2018-19 and only Manchester United and Crystal Palace won more penalties. The Cherries, with their quick forward line, should love VAR’S introduction.

4 FIND A GAME-CHANGER

Only once last season did the Cherries come from behind to win, partly down to a lack of options on the bench. Lys Mousset was Howe’s most frequent pick when chasing the game; the 23-year-old forward made 23 substitute outings, but failed to score in any of them.

5 TAKE THEIR CHANCES

Only Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea missed more ‘big chances’ than Bournemouth in 2018-19. Ryan Fraser created them by the bucketload, laying on the most in the league. But while Callum Wilson stuck plenty away, he was the division’s second-most profligate player, behind Arsenal’s Pierre-emerick Aubameyang.