Spurs travel to the south coast after a somewhat inconsistent start to the Premier League season, but sit seventh in the league, ahead of Wednesday night’s fixtures.
The Cherries, should they beat Ange Postecoglou’s side, would move above the London club.
Previewing the game at the Vitality Stadium, and asked about Spurs’ inconsistency so far this term, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “We prepare for the best Spurs.
“I think if we want to have any chance tomorrow, we have to limit their offensive game.
(Image: Richard Crease) “If they play, especially offensively, to their level, it's going to be very difficult for us. So we have to try to limit their offensive play, try to reduce the number of chances they normally create, try to reduce the number of time they spend around our box.
“And this is the first part, if we can do this and limit a little bit what they do offensively, we might have a chance.
“If they play like most of the days, it's going to be very difficult.”
Postecoglou said in his pre-match press conference that he is expecting ‘a battle’ at Dean Court – with two teams playing with an aggressive, front foot pressing style.
On if he’s expecting the same, Iraola said: I think he's focusing on the way both teams play. We are going to press; they are going to press us.
“They will not leave us time on the ball, we will try not to leave them time on the ball, and there will be a moment probably that the game opens.
“But we have to be very ready.
(Image: PA) “We cannot open too much the game, always, in every moment of the game.
“We will have to control it better when it's for our best interest to happen or when sometimes we have to close it, because it's a team that physically is elite.
“Their recovery runs are very good, everyone runs to attack.
“So it's not easy to win this kind of physical battle that they always propose.”
The Cherries will be boosted by the return of Antoine Semenyo after his suspension, while Lewis Cook will face a late fitness test.
The same is the case for Spurs’ Dominic Solanke, who may face his former side for the first time since leaving the club in the summer.
On the prospect of facing Solanke once again, Iraola said he would prefer not to face him – but they have prepared for him being in the team.
(Image: PA) He said: “If he plays, obviously we will have to try to challenge him, to be ready for everything.
“We know him very well, but also he knows everything we do and I'm sure he's going to be the first one that will give all the info and will help the staff to prepare for our game.
“But it's also a good challenge for us.”