Written by billythekid
Following their second-half performance against Leicester City, on Wednesday night the Cherries continued that form and confidence against the free-scoring at home Manchester City. AFCB conceded a free-kick in the opening five minutes which led to City going 1-0 up. They increased their lead before halftime to 2-0. Our side didn’t let that lead affect them and put pressure on the City defence which eventually ended with David Brooks equalising and there were chances for an equaliser but it wasn’t to be. Manchester City only managed 8 shots on goal, against AFCB’s 14 in the entire game. First time City have conceded at home in the league since January. At the time of writing the important game on Friday evening between West Ham v Watford has not taken place.
Using the cliché a must-win game, our next game does fall into that category. Our next visitors to Dean Court on Sunday are the team twenty-five miles or so to the East, Southampton. This game probably is more important than any other time we have played Saints. They are in a safe mid-table position with nothing now to play for, but unfortunately, they have been playing well since the lockdown was lifted. Normally this is a game that would have a full Dean Court, but this time that will not be the case. In January they signed right-back Kyle Walter-Peters on loan from Spurs.
At the end of last year after 20 games, both Saints and the Cherries were just above the relegations spots, Southampton in 15th place on 22 points and AFCB 16th on 20 points, West Ham 17th on 19 points (after 19 games). In the relegation spots after 20 games were Aston Villa were in 18th place on 18 points, with Watford in 19th on 16 points and Norwich bottom with 13 points. Not much has changed, except Saints are the only ones who now safe. Since the lockdown away Saints have beaten Norwich 0-3, Watford 1-3, drawn with Everton 1-1 and Manchester U 2-2.
At home, they lost to Arsenal 0-2, beat Manchester C 1-0 and their last game drew 1-1 with Brighton.
Last season when the Saints visited Dean Court it ended in a 0-0 draw and the previous encounter at our ground was also a draw, that time 1-1. This season away at their St. Mary’s Stadium, AFCB won 1-3, the first time we have beaten them away.
In all league games at Dean Court, the Cherries have Won 5, Drawn 3, Lost 4. In all competitions, the Cherries have Won 8, Drawn 9, Lost 13.
Southampton v AFCB
AFCB Win
Draw
Southampton Win
AFCB Team News
Nathan Ake, groin injury, Charlie Daniels, Chris Mepham and Simon Francis all have knee injuries. Adam Smith May be available for selection again.
AFCB Player To Watch
In the last two games, Junior Stanislas has had good games and we need that form again against Saints. Eddie has been careful with the player and either started him or subbed him with 20 odd or so minutes to go. The only game he played the full match was against Spurs, then he played all the second half against Leicester C.
Southampton Team News
Sofiane Boufal, thigh injury, Yan Valery, muscular injury, Moussa Djenepo, calf strain and Nathan Tella, injury unknown.
Southampton Player To Watch
Our former player Danny Ings who has scored 20 league goals this season. Since the restart, he has scored in every other game, the latest against Brighton. James Ward-Prowse in midfield is a strong all-round player, dangerous from free-kicks and shooting from distance, has 5 goals and 3 assists this season.
Craig Pawson is the referee and it will be the first time we have had him this season.
David Coote is on VAR.
Your say…
Steady Eddie 1 wrote…
Hope Eddie goes 3-5-2 with Stanislas and Rico as wing-backs. Lerma & Billing/Gosling holding with Brooks in behind King & Wilson.
Ironically we could do the double over both our remaining opponents. – Join the conversation, click here.
