The Cherries travel up to Bristol this Saturday, following a good performance yet disappointing result against Walsall last week. The Cherries once again gifted a late goal and so continue to look for their first win since Crewe away. The opportunity is definitely there as Rovers, who like The Cherries, haven`t won at home this season.
Bristol Rovers haven`t won in 9 games, with their last 2 away games resulting in defeat at Hartlepool and Gillingham, with a home draw with Yeovil sandwiched inbetween. Despite only winning 2 league games all season, Rovers have only been involved in one score draw and have lost all but one of the games to the odd goal. Also, like last weeks opposition, Walsall, The Cherries have already played Rovers this season, in the 2nd Round of the Johnstone`s Paint Trophy, where a Jo Kuffour goal at the Memorial Ground, took AFCB through. It`s likely to be close.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Bond`s comments after last week`s game was as follows:
‘I was pleased with everything, apart from the result.’
Unfortunately, it`s a results-driven not performance-driven game!
Bristol Rovers boss, Paul Trollope has come out with the following:
‘Bournemouth play good football and by all accounts it`s turning into a big game. It will be tough, and it`s going to be crucial that we stay consistent and concentrated for a full 90 minutes.”
Bristol Rovers Team News:
Aaron Lescott has felt no reaction to his knee injury and is expected to keep his place in the starting XI, along with another recent injury victim, Joe Jacobsen.
New loan signing Danny Coles, who has arrived from Hull City, is expected to go straight into his boyhood team`s first XI. Otherwise, Paul Trollope has the majority of his first team squad available to select from.
Player to watch: Rickie Lambert
Scored 3 goals so far this season as part of the successful partnership he has with Richard Walker (who himself has 4 goals this season, though all from the spot), after they forged a connection whilst he was on-loan from Rochdale last season. His ability to hit the back of the net will probably determine where Rovers finish this season.
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Shaun Cooper has arisen as a doubt having suffered a dead leg in training and will be in a rush to make the side. Brett Pitman and Neil Young have returned to the squad following their injuries, but Adam Lallana is out, having picked up a knock last week.
Max Gradel is still on compassionate leave in France, with long-term injury victims Garry, Perrett, Foley, Bartley, Christophe, and Cummings all missing once more. Finally, Marc Wilson has completed his loan spell and is now back at Portsmouth.
Player to watch: Danny Hollands
Having impressed mainly during last season, as well as scoring that stunning goal against Boston, Danny has this season seemed to have cemented himself a slot in the first-team. Recently receiving fans praise for his commitment and leadership skills in the centre of the park to accompany his work-rate whilst he employs the pass and move strategy.
Match Facts & Stats
Current Form
Bristol Rovers – L D D L D L
AFCB – L L W L L D
Bristol Rovers at Home:
Played 6, Won 0, Drawn 4, Lost 2, Scored 7, Conceded 11, Points 4
AFCB away from home:
Played 6, Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 3, Scored 8, Conceded 9, Points 7
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr P J Joslin
Assistants: Mr A P Bennett and Mr C J Berry
Fourth Official: Mr G A Beale
Match Prediction:
With Rovers poor home form and the encouraging performance from The Cherries last week, as well as knowing they can defeat The Pirates at the Memorial Ground, I`m going to say it will finish 2-1 to AFCB.
Next Fixtures:
AFC Bournemouth v Leeds United (Tuesday 6th November 2007, 7.45pm)
