How will Tindall’s AFCB react to first defeat?
Having stood alongside Eddie Howe for over a decade as his assistant manager, it was always going to be a tough task to step out of his shadow.
An undefeated streak helped the honeymoon period tick over despite potentially picking up too many draws along the way.
Defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in midweek has been the first speed hump hit by Tindall’s somewhat new, somewhat old AFC Bournemouth and how they react to that defeat will be key in how the Cherries campaign in the Championship this season will go.
Of course, Tindall isn’t the first to try and follow in Howe’s footsteps, when Howe (and Tindall) left the Cherries in 2011 it was Lee Bradbury who replaced Howe as manager.
The then League One side had started off the season well having won promotion from the fourth tier the season previously. Under Bradbury, AFC Bournemouth went 10 games unbeaten, with somewhat of a focus being on being tighter defensively. During those 10 games, the Cherries conceded 6.
Under Tindall, there has also been a focus on being tighter defensively, with the Cherries switching to a back three. AFC Bournemouth began the campaign 9 games unbeaten and had been the only side in the top four divisions to have avoided defeat. Over those 9 games, the Cherries had conceded 7.
Under Bradbury AFC Bournemouth lost 5 of the next 7 games, picking up just 2 points.
Tindall cannot afford a similar run of form.
Birmingham v AFCB
Head-to-Head
v Birmingham City
| Games won: | 11 |
| Games drawn: | 4 |
| Games lost: | 3 |
AFC Bournemouth historically enjoy a good record against Birmingham City, winning the last five encounters in all competitions across the Championship, FA Cup and League Cup.
The last league meeting at St Andrew’s against Birmingham City was the Football League record 8-0 victory with goals from Brett Pitman, Callum Wilson, Matt Ritchie, Tokelo Rantie (twice) and a hat-trick from Marc Pugh.
Birmingham started this season slowly with just one win in their opening seven games, but have since won two of their last three outings.
Team News
Birmingham are now managed by Aitor Karanka, a former Cherries foe during his time as boss of Middlesbrough. He was without George Friend, Jake Clarke-Salter and Adam Clayton for their midweek game against Wycombe, otherwise, they have a clean bill of health. Friend could be ready to return at the weekend.
AFC Bournemouth could make several changes as AFC Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall continue to attempt to share the workload of this hectic Championship campaign with regular rotation.
AFC Bournemouth captain Steve Cook will be suspended following his sending off in the last game against Sheffield Wednesday. That could trigger a reshuffle of the back three, potentially seeing Diego Rico at left centre back, Lloyd Kelly in the centre with Chris Mepham at right centre back, or Tindall could return to a back four.
The side looked disjointed against Sheffield Wednesday despite the teamsheet reading like one of the strongest sides on paper with big-name players Joshua King, David Brooks and Arnaut Danjuma all disappointing in attack, whilst the midfield of Jefferson Lerma and Dan Gosling didn’t get advanced enough to link play.
Expect Dominic Solanke to return to the number 9 position.
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