The Cherries return to their League 1 schedule on Saturday, following their FA Cup Round 1 Replay tie over Barrow. The side defeated the Conference north in a very unconvincing fashion, with late goals needed at both the end of normal and extra time, to eventually drag The Cherries through to Round 2. However, some may defend the team and say they had a lot to do as they were drawing up in Hartlepool just 2 days previously.
Oldham, after a successful season last year, have been poor so far this year. Having not picked up a win in 7 games during October, the side has lost to Leyton Orient, beaten Tranmere, and drawn with Port Vale this month, with a replay with former Cherries boss, Sean O`Driscoll and his Doncaster side, to happen in the FA Cup. Such a poor run of form has dropped The Latics into 19th place in the League 1 table, just 3 points ahead of AFCB.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Bond doesn`t believe confidence is high in The Cherries camp, as you may expect!
‘You can see as the game goes on there’s the situation where players become nervous, introvert as opposed to extrovert, make poor decisions and lack confidence.’
Whilst, young striker Sam Vokes has spoken about his season so far:
‘I’ve scored a few for Wales and need to take that to Bournemouth. I’m disappointed not to have got off the mark (so far this season)’
Oldham winger Chris Taylor is anticipating a close game on Saturday:
“Bournemouth are a good footballing side who are similar to ourselves in that they are still quite young and struggling for consistency? But we can definitely go down there and get a win.”
And their manager, John Sheridan wants 3 points:
“They are a good team who like to pass the ball, and it`s a great pitch down there – but this Is a game I want nothing less than three points from? I will always go out to attack, no matter who we`re playing.”
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Danny Hollands is suspended following his sending off midweek. Sam Vokes has returned from international duty, whilst Max Gradel returned from compassionate leave in midweek. Alex Pearce and James Henry will return after Reading prevented their participation in the Cup. Neil Young is still at Weymouth.
Neil Moss, Darren Anderton, and Jo Kuffour are all doubts as to whether they will make the sixteen, after recently suffering injuries. Garry, Perrett, Foley, and Christophe still appear to be a long way from a return.
Player to watch: Max-Alain Gradel
The exciting young winger, was involved in the penalty farce midweek, and eventually (just about) tucked the ball away. A goalscoring return for a lad who has had to deal with a lot in the last month or so, and The Cherries suffered from his absence, but he returned with a bang, and hopefully his creative will create chances for AFCB to win games and pull away from the ‘R` zone.
Oldham Athletic Team News:
Ashley Kelly returned from his loan spell at Leigh RMI this week. Whilst Neal Eardley returns after being part of the Welsh squad for their European Championship Qualifiers this week. Neil Kilkenny returned from injury against Port Vale but Andy Liddell is still out and Lee Hughes is proving his fitness by playing consecutive games for the first time this season during the Port Vale game last week.
Player to watch: Ryan Bertrand
I could have picked a variety of players here – Hughes and Eardley, were others that sprung to mind. But I`ve gone with a player AFCB fans will recognise – Bertrand was on-loan here last season, and the cultured left footed player has now been sent out by Chelsea once more. Playing at left-back, he will get forward as often as possible to support the attack.
Match Facts & Stats
Current Form:
AFCB – L L D W L D
Oldham – D L D L W D
AFCB at Home:
Played 8, Won 0, Drawn 2, Lost 6, Scored 5, Conceded 16, Points 2
Oldham away from home:
Played 8, Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 3, Scored 7, Conceded 8, Points 9
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr G D Horwood
Assistant Referees: Mr S J Phipps & Mr M G West
Fourth Official: Mr A A Laver
Match Prediction:
As AFCB can`t win at home, and Oldham just can`t win, i.e. they`re in a very similar situation to The Cherries, you would probably bet on a draw. However, the home hoodoo has to be broken soon surely? So I`m plucking 2-1 AFCB.
Next Fixtures:
Yeovil Town v AFC Bournemouth (Coca Cola League 1, Tuesday 4th December 2007, 7.45pm)
