The Cherries host fallen giants Leeds United on Tuesday after finally winning once again at Bristol Rovers on Saturday. Two goals from debutant loan signing James Henry gave AFCB the three points and lifted them to the edge of the relegation zone. However, the side will now have to break their bad home form curse to keep the winning run alive.
Leeds visit for the first time since the trouble in 1990, (hopefully, there will be no violence tomorrow) where they have regularly been in the top division, even reaching the Champions League semi-finals. However, failure to control their funds has led to the decline into League 1. But, they came back from a 15 point deficit at the start of the season to go on a 13 game unbeaten run, finally ended by Carlisle on Saturday. The northern side coming back from a goal down to turn the game in the second half. Dennis Wise will be hoping his team bounce back from this first setback that has now put them into 9th position, as they strive to bounce right back up.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Bond was obviously delighted with the weekend`s win:
‘In the situation we’re in, any win is a good win but I thought it was a good win. The lads performed really well and we deserved it.”
Midfielder and captain, Darren Anderton, had the following thoughts:
‘?it’s only one performance and will be no good to us unless we can follow it up in the coming weeks, which is something we haven’t been able to do this season. We can say we’ve been unlucky or whatever, but the truth of the matter is that we are where we are and we’ve got to put it right.’
Very true, but will it be put into reality tomorrow?
Leeds boss, Dennis Wise, said the following after Saturday`s defeat:
“We`ve done fantastic so far, now we have to kick on again.”
With midfielder, Andrew Hughes, giving a rather frank and determined response to the game:
“We let ourselves down? we have a game Tuesday and can`t get there quick enough? I wouldn`t want to be anywhere else”
Hard-hitting and determined words that make you feel possibly their defeat could really hit AFCB dangerously if they are not awake and alert from the start.
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
James Henry and Alex Pearce are both expected to start again after arriving last Friday from Reading and performing admirably on Saturday. Whilst Jo Kuffour came off on Saturday and will hope any knock he suffered clears up in time. Shaun Cooper will have hoped to have recovered from his dead leg, along with Adam Lallana. Neil Young will be absent, as will Max Gradel. The injury list still contains Garry, Perrett, Foley, Bartley, and Cummings.
Player to watch: Neil Moss
Even at Bristol Rovers on Saturday he rivalled James Henry for Man of the Match with some fantastic saves. Been assured since his return to the sticks and will have to be on top of his game once more, as the rampant Leeds attack will try to break through. Hopefully, his superb shot-stopping will be of use, and at its best.
Leeds United Team News:
Leeds are currently missing many big name players. Alan Thompson, Tore Andre Flo, and Radostin Kishishev, are all on the treatment table and were joined by Ian Westlake last week. Shaun Derry is severely lacking match practice and is unlikely to be in the squad. However, the good news for Leeds is that Leon Constantine came off the bench on Saturday for his first appearance since his ankle injury.
Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford
Having just won the PFA Coca Cole League One Fans Player of the Month award for October, the young former non-league striker will be confident to carry on his flying goalscoring start to the season. He added goal number 8 on Saturday and his partnership with former Cherry, Tresor Kandol is the most lethal and feared in the division.
Match Facts & Stats
Current Form:
AFCB – L W L L D W
Leeds United – W W D W W L
AFCB at Home:
Played 7, Won 0, Drawn 2, Lost 5, Scored 4, Conceded 13, Points 2
Leeds United away from home:
Played 7, Won 5, Drawn 1, Lost 1, Scored 11, Conceded 6, Points 16
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr S Bennett
Assistants: Mr M Cairns and Mr R Ganfield
Fourth Official: Mr R East
Match Prediction:
AFCB haven`t won in the league at home all season. Leeds have had one blip this season, which they will be determined to bounce back from. Some of the AFCB fans are only interested in revenge. Only one conclusion really. 2-0 Leeds.
Next Fixtures:
Barrow v AFC Bournemouth (FA Cup Round 1, Saturday 10th November 2007, 3pm)
