Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium is the Premier League's smallest venue. It holds just 11,364 fans. Yet, if Andoni Iraola's side keeps their momentum, the stadium could be hosting Champions League football next season.
Right now, that is looking likely, and the South Coast club has its American midfielder Adams to thank. The 26-year-old doesn't get many headlines in England, but statistically speaking, he might be the best defensive midfielder in the country right now. According to FotMob, he's in the 94th percentile among players at his position in the league for defensive contributions, and he's in the 65th percentile for aerial contributions.
And as he's shown against Nottingham Forest, he can also be a factor in attack, as he set up one of the team's two goals in the win. More impressively, Adams is looking like a bargain for Bournemouth, who purchased him for $25.4 million two years ago. While there aren't rumors of imminent departure, quality defensive midfielders are hard to find, and it wouldn't be a surprise if The Cherries either extend Adams if they make the Champions League, or cash in at potentially triple the cost if they don't.
In the interim, Bournemouth face their toughest test of the season when they travel to face Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who are also in a surprising spot in the table at fifth. If naysayers were to poke a hole at Bournemouth's success, it's that they haven't beaten any top sides yet - unless you count Tottenham.
They lost to Liverpool and drew against Newcastle and Crystal Palace - two top-half teams also aiming for spots in Europe. Man City are tied with Chelsea for the best scoring team in the Premier League, but their inconsistent efforts on defense explain their current situation.
Bournemouth have scored one fewer goal than Man City, and are even leakier in the back - conceding 11. There should be plenty of fireworks in Sunday's contest.