Smith is averaging 0.53 fouls committed per 90 across his 12 Premier League appearances this season which isn’t a record that is particularly standout but the right back faces a tough task here against Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Cunha and Ait Nouri are averaging 2.74 fouls won per 90 in the Premier League between them this season, Cunha in particular is the main threat and will fancy his chances against the 33 year old fullback who won’t be his direct opponent but the Brazilian is no stranger to drifting into the channels to create space and offer an outlet, especially with Jorgen Strand Larsen offering a vocal point upfront.

No side is committing more fouls per game in the Premier League this season than Bournemouth (13.8). The Cherries committed 17 fouls in this fixture last season and 15 in the reverse fixture – Smith played in this game last season contesting 8 duels and committing 1 foul.

It is no surprise that Andoni Iraola’s side sit top of the Premier League foul rankings after 12 games of the 24/25 season, the Spaniard’s success at the Cherries has been built on an aggressive approach which focuses on pressing from the front of the pitch.

Bournemouth are averaging 13.8 fouls committed per game in the Premier League this season, this encapsulates what Iraola wants from his side. They aren’t afraid to give away free kicks but tend to give them away on the opposite end of the pitch to their goal – the likes of Evanilson, Semenyo, Tavernier and Kluivert are all averaging over 1.0 fouls committed per 90.

Expect a very physical battle between these sides, Bournemouth committed 17 fouls in this game last season and 15 fouls at the Vitality in the reverse fixture as well as receiving a red card in both games. They should post similarly high numbers here against a Wolves side who are just behind them in the foul rankings (13.1 per game).

Wolves are currently conceding 5.5 shots on target per game in the Premier League this season, this record should see Jose Sa tested against a Bournemouth side who are averaging 4.8 shots on target per game.

Sa has made 21 saves across his 7 Premier League appearances this season (3.0 per game) and has had to contend with a disorganised defence in front of him which is partly why Wolves’ defensive record has been so dire this season.

Sa was forced into making 5 saves in this fixture last season with the Cherries managing 21 shots in total generating an xG of 1.96 despite only having 37% of the ball showing how Iraola’s side can be effective in testing the opposition goalkeeper even with limited possession.

Lewis Cook has quietly been a dependable member of Andoni Iraola’s side, he was excellent in Bournemouth’s wins over Arsenal and Manchester City whilst the attacking players collected the majority of the plaudits.

His foul record really stands out, he’s committed 28 fouls across his 12 Premier League appearances this season (2.35 per 90) and exemplifies the aggression Iraola wants to see from his team.

He’ll be up against Matheus Cunha who is averaging 2.03 fouls won per 90 across his 12 Premier League appearances this season.

Cunha has won 22 fouls across his 12 Premier League appearances this season (2.03 per 90).

He’s been playing more centrally in recent weeks just behind Jorgen Strand Larsen who acts as a physical vocal point for Wolves with Cunha buzzing around for second balls when Wolves go long to him. This central role has seen Cunha be the target of tactical fouls when Wolves get some space on the transition.

He’ll be up against Lewis Cook who is averaging 2.35 fouls committed per 90 across his 12 Premier League appearances this season.

Only Chelsea (45) and Southampton (40) have collected more yellow cards than Bournemouth’s 34 in the Premier League this season (2.83 per game).

This record matches their fouls record in the Premier League this season, no side is committing more fouls per game than Bournemouth (13.8) which is a record informed by their aggressive press.

Bournemouth received 5 cards across the 2 meetings with Wolves last season which included a red card in each fixture.