Quite possibly AFCB`s biggest game of the season, in terms of an attendance, the side travel up to recent Champions League semi-finalist Leeds United at Elland Road on the back of a 2-0 victory against Hartlepool last weekend, when the team relied on Sam Vokes to gain them the 3 points. Now situated in 22nd spot of the League 1 table, the side need to start collecting unexpected points, such as on Saturday, if they are to have any chance of overcoming their 10 point deficit and survival in the division. Not many are holding out hope?
This is because, of all the weekends to play Leeds, AFCB seem to have chosen the short straw. After struggling to get a win on the board since becoming manager, Gary McAllister`s men defeated Swindon last weekend with a Tresor Kandol goal. The side hadn`t won before last Saturday in eight games, as people suspected their promotion to challenge to be falling off the rails. Now sat in 8th spot on 50 points, the team are still in good shape to make the play-offs, and if they hadn`t suffered a 15 point deduction (which they`re still challenging) the team would be sat in 2nd.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Bond has spoken to The Daily Echo after The Cherries lost 1-0 to Portsmouth ina behind close doors friendly this week:
“It was better than a day’s training for all the boys. Portsmouth were looking for a game and I was happy to oblige. Thankfully, we came out of the game unscathed from an injury point of view and I was perfectly happy with it. Although it’s not quite the same as a league game, it doesn’t do you any harm when you are competing with a lot of really well known players. It was a great experience for some of the younger lads.”
Leeds boss, Gary McAllister spoke to The Official Leeds United Website after getting his first win as manager last week:
“When you come back into the game after being out for a while, there’s nothing like winning. You work hard and prepare, and the things we worked on worked. It was an awkward one on Saturday, but we did all the ugly things really well. It would have been nice to get a second goal, and there were a few scary moments. There were blocks and headers, but I felt we deserved it.”
Leeds United Team News:
Dougie Freedman`s move to the club seems to have been revived and is hoping to eb completed before Saturday`s match. Jonathan Douglas and Andy Hughes returned to training this week, though it`s only Hughes who has a realistic chance of playing against AFCB. Ian Westlake and Curtis Weston have been sent out on loan, joining Leon Constantine and Tomi Ameobi in getting some league experience, whilst Steve O`Halloran returned to Villa after sustaining an injury before even playing for the club!
Player to watch: Sebastien Carole
He`ll be looking to cause more troubles for AFCB as he did when the sides met at Dean Court. His trickery accompanies his blistering pace superbly and he`ll happily switch between either flank to terrorise the opposition`s full-backs. He`s taken a bigger role in the team this season and accompanied his 29 appearances (8 as a substitute) with 3 goals so far.
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Gareth Stewart joined the long-term absentees of Moss, Garry, Foley and Anderton when he sprained his ankle and fractured his fibula last Saturday. Ryan Pryce is likely to deputise once more unless Kevin Bond finds an emergency loan goalkeeper, there are reports saying David Forde has been brought in. Russell Perrett will also miss out again as he starts his recovery from pleurisy. Bond will be happy no-one picked up a knock following the behind closed doors friendly against Portsmouth this week, but more concerned that there are still 4 other doubts in the shape of Jo Tessem, Max-Alain Gradel, Lee Bradbury and Waaren Cummings.
Player to watch: Ryan Pryce
The youngster`s back! After Gareth injured his ankle to join Mossy on the sideline, the Youth team ‘keeper will get another chance to prove his worth. The side were unbeaten when he was between the sticks briefly earlier on in the season, and hopefully, he can keep that run going as he continues to build up his league experience.
Match Facts & Stats:
Current Form:
Leeds – D L D D D W
AFCB – W W L L D W
Leeds at Home:
Played 17, Won 11, Drawn 3, Lost 3, Scored 31, Conceded 13, Points 36
AFCB Away from Home:
Played 17, Won 5, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Scored 24, Conceded 28, Points 17
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr R L Shoebridge
Assistant Referees: Mr R Joyce & Mr C L Lawson
Fourth Official: Mr R T Hewitt
Match Prediction:
Leeds are strong at home but AFCB are quite resilient on their travels. The boost Leeds will have from getting McAllister`s first win though I think will override AFCB`s urge to make up the 10 points and the gap could widen following a 2-1 defeat.
Next Fixture:
Oldham Athletic v AFC Bournemouth (Coca Cola League 1, Tuesday 11th Match 2008, 7.45pm)
