AFC Bournemouth play Millwall for the third time this season, the first time at Dean Court, and looking for their first win against them, having been beaten by them 2-1 in both the league and FA Cup. The Lions arrival comes off a mixed Easter Weekend for The Cherries, having been beaten 2-1 by relegation strugglers Gillingham, they defeated play-off chasing Tranmere in front of the Dean Court faithful, with more youngsters being blooded into the side, and Sam Vokes being absent because of international duty.
Millwall come with an extensive injury list similar to AFCB, and this has meant they have never truly pulled away from the relegation scrap. They currently sit 6 points ahead of Gillingham having played a game more in 19th position. They play their second club that has suffered administration in a week, having come off a 0-0 draw with Luton at The Den, a result that would have been frustrating, as the side could have pulled away from the drop zone. Gillingham follows AFCB in their fixtures. It`s now time for The Lions to roar.
Vital Quotes:
With a make-shift side put out, Cherries boss, Kevin Bond, was obviously delighted with the Easter win against Tranmere, as he told The Daily Echo:
‘In all my years in football, I don’t think I’ve had many more wins that were more rewarding or, in some ways, more surprising. It was nothing short of an heroic performance by the lads… Once we went into administration, we knew it was really an impossible task. But to the players’ credit, I don’t think anyone watching today would have thought we had been docked points and been adversely affected by what has gone on because the lads were tremendous.’
Jem Karacan has spoken to the Official Millwall Website ahead of the game with his former side:
‘I am going down there with Millwall now and my priority is helping us get three points. I received a few text messages from some of the boys soon after I joined Millwall saying that they were looking forward to meeting me on the pitch and how they were going to beat us. But this is a big game for us, they all are, and one that we will be doing our best to win. When I was on loan at Bournemouth they were bottom of the table so I know what it is all about in terms of battling to get points. We have to beat the teams around us like Bournemouth and Gillingham. It`s as simple as that.’
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Brett Pitman and Josh Gowling are expected to return following the injury lay-offs, but Warren Cummings is rated doubtful, whilst Neil Young will be missing once more, along with Moss, Stewart, Perrett, Garry, Anderton, and Foley. Sam Vokes will also be back in the team after playing for the Welsh U`21 side this week. However, Jo Kuffour could be missing as he`s currently on compassionate leave in London. The youngsters will fill the gaps once more.
Player to watch: Lee Bradbury
The forward has excelled in an unorthodox right-back position in the last couple of games. Having had Sam Vokes keep him out the team as a forward, ‘Bradders` was converted into a right-winger before The Cherries desperate injury crisis called for him to slot him as part of an inexperienced backline last week, where he helped the side immensely.
Millwall Team News:
Millwall will be without Lewis Grabban (who tore a hamstring last weekend), Andy Frampton (knee injury during training), Dave Brammer, Adrian Forbes, Gary Alexander, and Alan Dunne for certain. Paul Robinson, Rhys Evans, Jay Simpson were all doubts last weekend with tight muscles, but came through against Luton so are likely to play against The Cherries. Chris Zebroski is on-loan at Torquay and Marc Laird is fulfilling a suspension after a dismissal against Leyton Orient. Tony Craig has come to Kenny Jackett`s aid though, having signed just before the loan transfer window closed. Jem Karacan will play his former club.
Player to watch: Zak Whitbread
The American is a product of the Liverpool academy, but with limited chances there, he moved to The Den where his composure on the ball, and yet still strong in the tackle have made him a regular in the Millwall backline, giving him 27 appearances so far this term (2 from the bench), as well as popping up with 3 goals.
Match Facts & Stats:
Current Form:
AFCB – W L L W L W
Millwall – L W W L D D
AFCB at Home:
Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 4, Lost 9, Scored 26, Conceded 34, Points 25
Millwall Away from Home:
Played 20, Won 4, Drawn 6, Lost 10, Scored 13, Conceded 30, Points 18
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr P W Melin
Assistant Referees: Mr A Davies & Mr A M Turner
Fourth Official: Mr A Matthews
Match Prediction:
The injury crisis and administration situation seems to have brought the AFCB players together and with Millwall arriving with a mixed away record and an injury list as long as The Cherries, it`s another potential match for an AFCB win. I`m going for a 2-1 Cherries victory.
Next Fixture:
Swansea City v AFC Bournemouth (Coca Cola League 1, Saturday 5th April 2008, 3pm)
