Bournemouth kick-off the campaign with a first round Carabao Cup tie against League One MK Dons this afternoon at Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries are looking to get off to a winning start in what will be Scott Parker’s first competitive match since taking charge of the Dorset club.
Bournemouth’s opposition come into the game with a cloud over their heads. Manager Russel Martin looks like he may be leaving the club after it was confirmed on Saturday lunchtime that Swansea had made an official approach for the former Norwich captain.
The Dons will be disappointed that the approach comes just 24 hours before their first competitive match of the season.
There has been a turn around of players at Stadium MK. Cameron Jerome and Scott Fraser, the clubs leading goal scorers from last season have both left the club for pastures new but the club have brought in Mo Eisa from Peterborough and Scott Twine from Swindon to replenish their ranks.
Eisa played 27 times last year as The Posh won promotion to the Championship, scoring twice, while Twine, who is an attacking midfielder, impressed for Swindon scoring seven times and getting three assists in 25 appearances, but was unable to keep Swindon up as they were relegated to League Two.
A player who may be familiar to Bournemouth fans is that of Dean Lewington. The Dons captain and all-time appearance record holder was playing for MK Dons back when Bournemouth were in League Two.
The ever present left-back has made 824 appearances for MK Dons and won their player of the season last yearbut starts on the bench this afternoon.
The season opener for both these clubs should provide for entertaining game. Both clubs will look to continue their preparations for the league openers next weekend but with a spot in the next round of the cup there is plenty to play for.