Bournemouth go back on their travels this weekend as they travel to Roots Hall to play Southend United. The Cherries were defeated 2-0 by Doncaster in the week, after the two promising wins against Forest and Luton. Unfortunately the team was compounded with misfortune throughout, Danny Hollands pulling out in the warm-up, conceding a soft early goal, and then Shaun Cooper`s dismissal. Thanks to Port Vale`s dramatic defeat however, The Cherries remain 23rd in the table but are now 11 points off safety with 14 games to go.
Southend themselves lost in midweek, not helping The Cherries out in the process as they were undone by Millwall at The Den. Their form currently is fluctuating considerably, the midweek defeat coming 2 weeks after defeating Leeds by a goal to nil. The Shrimpers already have fond memories of AFCB this season. They arrived to Dean Court on the 19th January and ran out 4-1 victors, with Gower, Francis, Black, and Hooper netting to Cummings reply. It was that result that started the ‘Bond Out` protests, which have since subsided after The Cherries upturn in fortunes.
Vital Quotes:
Cherries midfielder and stand-in skipper, Danny Hollands has spoken to The Daily Echo as he aims to return this weekend from injury, and make up for last months shambles against Southend at Dean Court:
“It feels better and hopefully I should be okay, but I’ve got to take it day by day… We know what they play like. We weren’t playing well on that particular day and we’ve improved and are confident we can go and beat them.”
Southend boss, Steve Tilson told the BBC he was thoroughly disappointed with his side’s performance at Millwall:
‘I’m disappointed because our fans have come out in big numbers and we have not performed like we know we can…There were more than 1,000 of them watching us but I’m afraid we weren’t good enough and let ourselves down. Unfortunately, too many of the lads had an off night.’
Southend United Team News:
The Shrimpers have both Damian Scannell and Peter Clarke, the first for his dismissal against Millwall, and the latter for picking up 5 bookings this season. Hal Robson-Kanu is a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury last weekend, as is Lee Barnard who has a knee problem. Anthony Grant is now pushing for a start after joining on loan from Chelsea in January. Richie Foran and Gary Hooper are now out on-loan to Darlington and Hereford respectively.
Player to watch: Nicky Bailey
The 23 year-old midfielder has scored in The Shrimper last two games, giving him 9 goals in 36 appearances (+1 substitute appearance) for the team after signing in the summer from Barnet for £175,000. He won both the Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards at Barnet last season, and his regular spot for Southend shows he’s clearly important here at Roots Hall.
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
It`s likely Neil Young will miss out again, whilst Kevin Bond told the press this week of the knocks that Cummings, Hollands, Pitman, and Bradbury are carrying, all of which will have to be nursed if they are to make the game – as of now, Cummings and Hollands must be considered serious doubts. As will be Russell Perrett after he was rushed to hospital after complaining of breathing problems. Moss, Garry, Foley and Anderton continue to miss out. Shaun Cooper`s suspension for his dismissal against Doncaster comes into immediate effect and so he too will be absent from the squad.
Player to watch: Jason Pearce
Pearce deputised for Younger at right-back in midweek, and with Cooper definitely absent through suspension, it`s likely he will continue to fill in this orthodox role for him. A left-footed player at right-back is never a situation you want to have, but Pearce came out with some respectable reviews after quelling McCammon throughout.
Match Facts & Stats:
Current Form:
Southend – W L W D W L
AFCB – W W L W W L
Southend at Home:
Played 15, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 5, Scored 24, Conceded 15, Points 26
AFCB Away from Home:
Played 16, Won 5, Drawn 2, Lost 9, Scored 23, Conceded 26, Points 17
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr G D Horwood
Assistant Referees: Mr M F Thompson & Mr A Slaughter
Fourth Official: Mr G R Young
Match Prediction:
Southend are currently sitting just outside the play-off places in 9th and will be banking on wins against AFCB if they`re to achieve this. With The Cherries squad being decimated by injuries and the 10-pont deficit to be overcome, I`m thinking a Southend win 2-0.
Next Fixture:
AFC Bournemouth v Cheltenham Town (Coca Cola League 1, Saturday 23rd February 2008, 3pm)
