Following the shambles last Sunday, AFC Bournemouth will be hoping that their recent good away form can help them pick up some much needed points against a managerless Millwall side that has also struggled at the start of the season.
The last 3 games for The Lions have resulted in a win, draw and defeat, with last Saturday`s draw at Gillingham, where Alan Dunne got his second goal in three matches, pushing the side onto the border of the relegation zone, showing the side could recover from a 4-0 deficit to Carlisle the week before. Can The Cherries do the same? One of the fallen teams of recent times, Millwall were Cup Finalists only 2 years and 5 months ago, and with the intimidating ground of The Den to play in, The Cherries need to go into the game with some belief.
After The Cherries’ defeat last week, it has been so quiet with news from the club, there is nothing to quote!
Caretaker Player/Manager, Richard Shaw will have Will Hoskins and Rab Douglas available to him after their loan spells were extended this week.
Danny Spiller is still out for The Lions.
Once linked to a move with Bournemouth, this diminutive midfielder is on-loan from Spurs, who have high hopes for him. He appears to be in and out of the side, but although form is temporary, class is permanent, and it won`t take much for this lad to change the game into his side`s favour.
With numbers stretched the squad is expected to be simialr to the game last Sunday, with the addition of new loan signing Jem Karacan from Reading.
Josh Gowling is expected to be involved after playing for the young-looking Reserve side in the week. However, Russell Perrett again picked up an injury and is set to miss out.
Jo Kuffour came off on Sunday with an illness, and so is considered a doubt.
The Cherries are also without Gradel (compassionate leave), Young, Garry, Foley, Bartley, Christophe, Pitman, and Cummings (all injury) for the trip.
One of a few players to come out with any positive comments last Sunday; the youngster on loan from Southampton will hope he can create something for The Cherries, in order them the chance to score some goals and grab some much needed points! Big responsibility on small shoulders, can he cope?!
Current Form:
Millwall – L D L W L D
AFCB – D L L L W L
Millwall at Home:
Played 5, Won 2, Drawn 0, Lost 3, Scored 6, Conceded 6, Points 6
AFCB away from home:
Played 5, Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 2, Scored 7, Conceded 7, Points 7
Referee: Mr A R Hall
Assistants: Mr I J Cooper and Mr G S Evetts
Fourth Official: Mr K G Yeo
With the form of both teams and the lack of confidence both appear to have, it looks nothing else but a draw. So I’m going to go for 1-1.
AFC Bournemouth v Walsall (Saturday 27th October 2007, 3pm)