AFC Bournemouth are set to host their first home game of 2022 with Hull City visiting Vitality Stadium this afternoon.
The Tigers are under new ownership after Turkish businessman Acum Ilicali bought the club earlier this week. The club’s new era started well with Grant McCann’s side running out 2-0 winners over the Cherries’ promotion rivals Blackburn Rovers in midweek.
Goals from George Honeyman and Tom Eaves secured the Humberside club’s first win since November.
Sitting in 19th place in the Championship, Hull have been flirting with a relegation fight all season but with new ownership and the win over Rovers confidence will be high and could provide a tricky afternoon for Parker’s side.
The Cherries will be looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at the hands of Luton and Parker revealed in his pre match press conference that attacking midfielder, Philip Billing, is back in contention after missing the defeat to the Hatters.
“Philip Billing is back in and around training with the group,” the head coach said.
“I’ll have to make a late call on that one. He came back two days or so ago but he has been in and out of things.
“I don't know exactly where we are with that but I will make a late call on it.”
Parker will also be without new signing Ethan Laird who the club are “treading very carefully with” and will not risk him at this stage.
Robbie Brady, Junior Stanislas and Adam Smith all remain sidelined for the visit of Hull but the rest of the squad is available despite a few knocks and bruises.
Parker added: “Other than that everyone one is pretty well and healthy. We are nursing a few knocks and bruises but we expect that at this stage of the season.”
The Cherries boss could welcome back left-back Jordan Zemura who may return from the African Cup of Nations in time to play after his side Zimbabwe were knocked out of the competition earlier this week.
Bournemouth have slipped back down to second place and sit five points adrift of Fulham and are level on points with Blackburn in third place but do have a game in hand over the Lancashire club.
One positive is the resurgence in Emiliano Marcondes’ form. The Danish midfielder has scored four goals in his last two appearances and could again be involved from the start after impressing against Yeovil and Luton.
Victory over today’s opponents will be seen as vital in maintaining momentum and not allowing another run without a win.
The game kicks off at 3pm and you can follow all the action on our Twitter page @nerve_sport as we bring you all the action live from Vitality Stadium