New Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has brought a fresh attacking approach to North London. Chairman Daniel Levy wants entertaining football at Spurs, and early signs suggest Postecoglou will deliver.

The Cherries went to Liverpool and took a shock early lead. Their intensity and shape stifled Liverpool for stretches. Clearly this is no walkover opponent. And, what would be their fate against an attacking Spurs lineup?

Game Week 3: AFC Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur Match Preview

The game will take place on August 26th, 2023 at the Vitality Stadium in Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England. Kick off is scheduled for 12.30 BST

Postecoglou's Attacking Style Signals Exciting New Chapter at Tottenham

Though still finding their feet, this new-look Tottenham have played with incredible energy and intent so far. Of course, attacking tactics give opponents chances too. A world-class Manchester United side proved that recently. But Postecoglou wants his team on the front foot, imposing their will. Sitting deep just isn't his style.

Summer signings like Bissouma and Maddison already look like great additions. Their hunger and creativity were lacking last season. Losing a star like Kane is tough, but the whole mood feels positive under Postecoglou. Fans are excited by what they've seen so far.

This project will take time as players adapt to the high-pressing style. Some bumps in the road are expected. But the potential with this group feels sky-high. If early promise continues, the future looks bright in North London.

Cherries put up fight against Liverpool

Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil has his players executing a clear tactical plan. They work relentlessly in both directions. Liverpool only broke them down once the Cherries tired later on. But they showed they can compete with the league's best.

Players like Billing and Solanke embody Bournemouth's combativeness and desire. O'Neil has tapped into those traits to make them a difficult opponent. Though they eventually lost at Anfield, Bournemouth earned plenty of respect.

Against Spurs, that resolute organization and work rate will be critical. On paper, Tottenham have superior talent. But Bournemouth are no pushovers.

If Postecoglou's men play to their potential, their quality should prevail. But a motivated Cherries side will surely make them work for the points. An entertaining contest looks likely on the south coast

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Predicted Lineup: Guglielmo Vicario, Sergio Reguilón, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Son Heung-Min, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison

Bournemouth Predicted Lineup: Neto, Milos Kerkez, Marcos Senesi, Lloyd Kelly, Max Aarons, Philip Billing, Joe Rothwell, Justin Kluivert, Ryan Christie, David Brooks, Dominic Solanke

Key Battles to Shape the Match

• Yves Bissouma vs Philip Billing

The midfield battle between Yves Bissouma and Philip Billing will go a long way toward deciding this match. With Rodrigo Bentancur injured, Bissouma likely starts in the center of the park for Spurs. The dynamic midfielder will be tasked with setting the tempo and keeping Tottenham's attacks flowing. He'll need to evade the close marking of Bournemouth's Billing.

Billing is coming off a stellar showing against Aston Villa, where he dominated the midfield exchanges. His aggressive press and crisp tackling prevented Villa from finding any rhythm. He'll need a repeat performance to throw off Spurs' midfield passing. If Billing can disrupt Bissouma's distribution, it will neutralize Tottenham's possession game.

But Bissouma boasts the dribbling skills and strength to break free from tight marking. His ability to wriggle from pressure and quickly shift play could unlock the Bournemouth defense. Billing must maintain constant contact and limit Bissouma's time on the ball. Cutting off supply lines to the Spurs attackers is critical.

• Ivan Perisic vs Marcos Senesi

Another pivotal matchup will see Ivan Perisic test debutant Marcos Senesi down Bournemouth's right flank. Perisic was sensational last season for Spurs, contributing goals and assists from his marauding left wingback role. He frequently overwhelmed opponents with his pace, crossing ability, and aerial presence.

Up against inexperienced right-sided center back Senesi, Perisic will smell blood in the water. He'll position himself high up the pitch to isolate Senesi one-on-one. If Perisic gets loose down the left channel, his superb left foot could wreak havoc. His early deliveries across the box would leave Bournemouth vulnerable.

Senesi must stand firm and shepherd Perisic away from the middle on his Interior side. He can't allow the Croatian time to pick his head up and whip in dangerous crosses. Staying tight to Perisic and steering him wide is essential.

But the Argentine defender won't just be tested defensively. Perisic will also track back to defend Senesi's forward runs down the right wing. Cutting off the supply route to Bournemouth's attack is also crucial for Spurs.

This battle of left vs right could determine if Bournemouth can create chances down flanks. Perisic's quality could prove the difference, but Senesi can make his mark if he rises to the challenge.

• Ben Davies vs Dominic Solanke

Up front, Dominic Solanke will try exploiting the space behind Tottenham's high backline. The striker netted 22 times in the Championship last campaign and already has a Premier League goal this season. His pace and intelligent movement present issues for the Spurs center-halves.

Ben Davies is the likely candidate to try and contain Solanke. The experienced Welshman will look to maintain tight marking of Bournemouth's main threat. Solanke is clever at peeling off the shoulder of defenders, so Davies can't allow any separation. Keeping Solanke from slipping into dangerous positions is paramount.

But Solanke can also drop deeper or drift wide to lose his marker. His link play and ability to hold up the ball could see him pull Davies out of position. This would open space for Making runs behind Bournemouth's midfielders.

If Davies has an impeccable performance and shuts down Solanke, it will go a long way to preserving a clean sheet for Spurs. But the striker only needs one lapse to punish the visitors on the scoresheet. He'll work the channels tirelessly for any sliver of space behind the defense.