Shaka Hislop evaluates Pep Guardiola's interest in Jack Wilshere, and whether he would fit in at Manchester City.

Right now, Bournemouth are in what full-back Charlie Daniels describes as a "hard time."The club are struggling for results, the squad available to Eddie Howe is the weakest one they have had all season and it even looks like their once-strong home form is also fading.

Bournemouth have not won since Dec. 31 and the forecast for future points remains bleak considering their recent performances. Latest defeats to some very mediocre sides such as Crystal Palace, Hull and Millwall hint that victory against West Brom is a bigger ask than it arguably should be. The Baggies are flying at the moment in eighth position and are unbeaten in their last four, so the Cherries have a tough game on their hands.

"One win and the confidence will come back" said Josh King, before further suggesting success on the south coast is a habit. He's right, and as seen last season with the late equaliser against Everton, a small but significant moment can easily propel the side into a run of good form. Bournemouth are a team that thrive on confidence and team chemistry. They don't rely on star names to dig them out of trouble nor do they have an arrogance about their play. They are mentally frail because of this, but when the Cherries are playing with acquired authority and confidence they are a match for any side. They will be in the hunt for that season-changing moment against the Baggies as well as a pressure-releasing win.

Positive mindsets are the main thing that the players will need to take into the clash on Feb. 25 and Howe simply needs to play to his team's strengths. One thing the manager can rely on is the work rate in central midfield. Howe's preference to start Andrew Surman is costing the team and he needs to be dropped for the more energetic Dan Gosling. The former suits his style of free-flowing expansive football, but right now Bournemouth need security and the extra never-say-die attitude from Gosling's play should be added to Harry Arter's similar style.

Daniels and Adam Smith are full of questions defensively but in terms of attacking output they are a class above the rest. They are the biggest offensive threat at the moment and playing both of them is essential in the quest of goals. Bournemouth need a defensive overhaul in the summer, but right now they are stuck with what they have got so using both the full-backs to their main strengths is a must.

Jordon Ibe's influence of late is something that needs to be seized upon as well. His performance against Manchester City on Feb. 13 was decent and he was unfazed by the household names on Pep Guardiola's team sheet. The lack of fear displayed by Ibe is another part of Bournemouth's play which needs to be utilised.

Problem areas remain in the centre of defence and the possibility of a free transfer from somewhere seriously needs to be considered as Simon Francis is just not Premier League level. Christian Samba is available and at just 32 years old he is seemingly not completely past it yet. His experience all over Europe and at international level would be useful.

Benik Afobe supplies some competition up front to Josh King and his physicality off the bench is a good option to have late on in attempts to wear down an already tired back four. Jonny Evans is likely to start in the Baggies back four and he isn't the quickest defender in the league so King's pace should be preferred.

A team break in Spain --despite the mix up with the anti-doping charge--with a change of scenery and escape from Bournemouth should help the squad. Everything is in favour of the Cherries picking up points, but as we have seen previously this season, they are not the best side away from home. Bournemouth were 9-1 to get relegated at the end of January, and odds have since dropped to 7-1. Another defeat to West Brom and these odds will drop further and fans should definitely start to fear relegation. The season is currently on a tightrope.

Will Kent is a freelance journalist who has worked for AFC Bournemouth, ESPN UK and ESPN FC, among others. Twitter: @WillKentSPORT

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Bournemouth look to regain confidence, chemistry in trip to West ... - ESPN FC (blog)