Written by billythekid
I don’t think even the most optimistic AFCB fan would have expected the start our team have made this season under the guidance of Scott Parker and his coaching team. Last night AFCB set a new club record of 15 games unbeaten in the league. It took our side a little longer to get into their normal game last night and Reading dominated the opening first 20-25 minutes or so and could have broken our run of six clean sheets away from home. But not taking their opportunities cost Reading as the Cherries gradually came more into the game and with two well-taken goals one in each half they extended the away clean sheets to seven, so some achievement. The next two games are within a three day period and both at home at Dean Court, the first is against Preston on Wednesday night at 7.45 pm. Can AFCB make it six wins in a row at Dean Court and continue the unbeaten run to 16?
Alex Neil who joined Preston as manager in July 2017 was relieved of his duties in March this year after one win in nine games, which included two draws and six defeats. One of those draws was our away game at Preston, but last season when Neil was in charge in AFCB’s two games against Preston his side took 4 points. He was replaced by his assistant Frankie McAvoy first until the end of the season and then on a permanent basis, this is his first job as a manager. In his first eight games in charge last season, his side gained 17 points out of a possible 24 points.
Preston signed four players permanently and three on loan. This season away from home they so far have not won a game and drawn three and lost four (last season they won eleven games on their travels). The three draws were 0-0 at Bristol City, 2-2 at Sheffield United and 0-0 at Birmingham City. The four defeats were at 2-0 at Reading, 1-0 Huddersfield Town, 3-2 against QPR and 2-0 at Blackpool. At home, they have won 4, drawn 3 and lost 1.
Last season Preston ended our unbeaten run of 7 games at home in our return to the Championship. They beat us 2-3 and were 0-3 up at half-time. Two goals in the last 19 minutes of normal time from Junior Stanislas and Sam Surridge made the score more respectful. Ben Pearson played the full game for Preston.
In our home games against Preston, AFCB have W 8, D 2, L 4.
In all competitions, AFCB have W 13, D 7, L 11.
AFCB v Preston
AFCB Win
Draw
Preston Win
There were a few ‘walking wounded’ during the Reading game, but they played on, been no update news yet re this. With two home games in three days, Scott Parker may shuffle his pack a little, possibly Ben Pearson against his old club. But after the home game against Swansea City on Saturday we have another international break. So until the team is announced Wednesday evening, we may be kept guessing.
AFCB Player To Watch
At the moment Dominic Solanke is on fire with 11 goals, 4 in his last 3 games. In his last 6 home games, he has scored 8 goals.
Preston Team News
Players who missed their last game through injury, Matthew Olosunde, Ched Evans and Josh Murphy. Long term still out are Izzy Brown and Connor Wickham.
Preston Player To Watch
The 6’ 2” Danish striker, Emil Riis Jakobsen, leading scorer with 7 goals, including a brace against Luton Town, one being a penalty, which earned him MOM.
The referee is David Webb.
We had him three times at home last season.
Luton Town, Coventry City and Stoke City.
Join the conversation, click here.
