This Saturday sees two clubs playing each other for huge stakes, though for completely different reasons. The Cherries travel to Wales and Swansea, in their Liberty Stadium having discovered that the consortium looking to buy the club out of administration has collapsed, leaving AFCB potentially on the verge of closure and extinction. This coming on the back of another home victory last weekend against Millwall, where although Max-Alain gradel bagged two, ‘keeper David Forde was the hero with a penalty save along with many other moments keeping AFCB in the lead.
As mentioned, this is a big game for both clubs, and for Swansea, Saturday`s game could end in promotion to The Championship, something they have been hoping for since their move to the Liberty Stadium. For that achievement to occur though, the side must defeat The Cherries, and hope former-AFCB boss Sean O`Driscoll doesn`t get any points with his current side Doncaster, whilst they entertain Huddersfield. The Swans got back on track after unexpected draws with Bristol Rovers and Southend, by beating Hartlepool 3-1 last weekend, putting in place a good foundation ahead of Tuesday`s clash with 2nd in the league, Carlisle.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Bond spoke to The Daily Echo following the victory against Millwall, and how he felt a tactical change was required:
‘I was glad to come in at half-time with the score at 0-0. I decided to change things to give us a bit more going forward and, apart from a 10-minute spell in the second half, we ground out a really good win.’
Swansea’s latest signing, Ashley Willimas, told The Official Swansea City Website how much he was looking forward to their promotion run-in:
‘Swansea like to get the ball down and play, which suits my style of play. And obviously with just seven games to go it`s going to be exciting times for the club. I`d love to be involved in those final games and help the club clinch promotion to the Championship.’
Swansea City Team News:
Kevin Amankwaah, Marcos Painter, Garry Monk, Ferrie Bodde are out injured, but Paul Anderson and Andrea Orlandi could possibly make a return to the squad and Owain Tudor-Jones will be looking to make a return to the starting XI. Ashley Williams could make his debut after joining on loan until the end of the season. Fabian Brandy will sit out again through suspension.
Player to watch: Jason Scotland
Having joined after a spell in Scotland with Dundee United and St Johnstone, Scotland arrived at the Liberty Stadium this summer and has just bagged goals, goals, and more goals! The 28 year-old Trinidad and Tobago international has notched 29 times this season in 45 appearances (5 as a sub). Don`t bet on him getting at least 1 more against The Cherries.
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Despite having returned for the Reserves this week, Ryan Garry isn`t expected to be in the matchday squad. Cummings and Young could return, but the long-term absentees of Moss, Stewart, Perrett, Anderton, and Foley will be absent once more. Jo Kuffour may or may not have returned from compassionate leave, which was the reason for his absence last weekend. The youngsters will be back again I`m sure to plug the gaps.
Player to watch: David Forde
Having signed for the rest of the season ahead of the game against Millwall, Forde then sprung himself all over his goal to keep a clean sheet, including a vital penalty stop when the game was still 0-0. The Irishman will have to be on his toes once again as Swansea`s tremendous fire-power is launched upon him.
Match Facts & Stats:
Current Form:
Swansea- D L W D D W
AFCB – L L W L W W
Swansea at Home:
Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 5, Lost 3, Scored 32, Conceded 16, Points 41
AFCB Away from Home:
Played 20, Won 5, Drawn 2, Lost 13, Scored 25, Conceded 34, Points 17
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr M Haywood
Assistant Referees: Mr A R Hendley & Mr A D Sainsbury
Fourth Official: Mr J Flynn
Match Prediction:
With Swansea absolutely romping the league, and with the knowledge that they can clinch promotion this weekend, they will be well up for it against an AFCB side that`s now struggling away from home, when previously it was the home form causing problems. 3-1 Swansea.
Next Fixture:
AFC Bournemouth v Bristol Rovers (Coca Cola League 1, Saturday 12th April 2008, 3pm)
