Can the Cherries really replicate the Great Escape?! After a fantastic dramatic late win against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium last weekend, with two last minute goals, the club also seems to have ended their troubled times in administration after a consortium led by Marc Jackson had a bid accepted this week. The real excitement is on the pitch though. The Cherries, despite suffering a 10point deduction, are 6 points off safety with 4 games to go. With impressive home form, this is an absolutely vital game for AFCB if they`re to survive.
Bristol Rovers made a name for themselves in the FA Cup, where they disposed of a club from every division from the Conference up, the most notable scalp being against Fulham. The team was knocked out in the quarter-final stage 5-1 by West Brom however. Since that defeat though, The Pirates haven`t secured a league win, with 5 draws (including the last 4 games!) and 3 losses. This has led to the side sitting in 16th position, 5 points from the dropzone, but with 2 games in hand over their rivals, which would make you assume they`re safe.
Vital Quotes:
Darren Anderton spoke to The Daily Echo after the Swansea victory as the squad begins to believe in a Great Escape:
“It has given us a chance that most people probably didn`t think we had so it`s great to keep it going. We probably need to win our remaining four games and, with results like that, you really start to believe.”
Rovers boss, Paul Trollope, understands that Saturday’s game won’t be easy for his side, as he told the Official Bristol Rovers Website:
“Without the ten points taken off them they wouldn`t be far off ourselves, and lately they`ve been showing some very good form. They`ve had a fantastic run of results, and we`ll go there fully prepared and showing them a lot of respect? I`ve said to the players that if they do the right things? they should be confident they can win the game.”
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Unexpected returns for Garry and Anderton into the matchday squad last week came as a relief as both Danny Hollands and Maryn Bartley missed out, they could return to face Rovers. Neil Young also has a chance to return to the team, after announcing his retirement at the end of the season this week. Jo Kuffour was also back last week from compassionate leave, but Moss, Stewart, Foley, and Perrett will watch from the sidelines once more. Joe Partington will expect to be involved again after scoring the equaliser last weekend.
Player to watch: Darren Anderton
Didn`t just unexpectedly return to the matchday squad last weekend, but actually started and lasted 80+ minutes, after months out with a hamstring injury. As these crucial last few games are played, Dazza` experience will be vital, as will his ability to pass the pinpoint to the required target. Needs to be bossing the game Saturday.
Bristol Rovers Team News:
This week Rovers have suffered another injury as they continue to happen one after another. Danny Coles this time has been ruled out, joining the recent loan signings of Anthony Pulis, Wayne Andrews and Jeff Hughes, who have all arrived, only to get injured and are unlikely to play again this season. This all comes after manager Paul Trollope, sent out the experienced midfielder, Sammy Igoe, to Hereford on loan.
Player to watch: Aaron Lescott
The midfielder, who is the brother to Everton defender Joleon, follows his brother in operating as a defender (admittedly a short one at 5` 8″), but also offers the versatility as a midfielder as well. He joined Rovers in 2004 and has been a consistent and reliable member of the squad, though unlike his brother, he doesn`t contribute with any goalscoring prowess.
Match Facts & Stats:
Current Form:
AFCB – L W L W W W
Swansea- L L D D D D
AFCB at Home:
Played 21, Won 8, Drawn 4, Lost 9, Scored 28, Conceded 34, Points 28
Rovers Away from Home:
Played 20, Won 6, Drawn 7, Lost 7, Scored 17, Conceded 18, Points 25
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr F Graham
Assistant Referees: Mr A P Bennett & Mr B C Holderness
Fourth Official: Mr A A Laver
Match Prediction:
Third in the current form league plays 23rd. With the current impressive home form of The Cherries as well, along with the optimism that maybe, just maybe, survival could be achieved, leads to optimistic me feeling a 2-0 win.
Next Fixture:
Walsall v AFC Bournemouth (Coca Cola League 1, Saturday 19th April 2008, 3pm)
