Friday 1 March 2013

Leyton Orient v AFCB match preview

Saturday's game just can't come around quickly enough for AFCB who are desperate to reinsert themselves back in the top six following three defeats in a row in the league. Their visit to Leyton Orient is perhaps slightly better timed now than a few weeks a go when the O's were on a tremendous run. Still, the home match for Orient will encourage them to go out and try and win the points they need to make a late challenge to the promotion play-off places.

Orient are well equipped to make it four defeats for the travelling Cherries as they have a potent strike force when fully fit of David Mooney and Kevin Lisbie. Shuan Batt has been playing up front of late with Mooney, while commentators may be hoping the Afolabi Obafemi does not make his usual substitute appearance. Mooney is the top scorer with 12 goals this season. He is closely followed by Lisbie who has 9. The 34 year-old has recently signed an extended contract with the club taking him to June 2014, but he has not played of late. Most fans will know Lisbie from his Charlton days. Winger Dean Cox is also a sharp shooter and can also cause problems from midfield.

AFCB fans will probably hope to see Mathieu Baudry back in the O's starting line up, but they won't see Michael Symes who signed for Orient from Bournemouth at the same time as Baudry last summer, but is currently out on loan at Burton Albion.

A for the Cherries it is possible that Eddie Howe will again try something new as he looks to break the team's run of three goalless games. I fancy Ryan Fraser to be given more of a chance to run at the O's back line on the right wing if Matt Ritchie continues to fill in at left back. Up front Howe will have to have faith in either Grabban, Pitman or Tubbs to have some better luck in front of goal, while Josh McQuoid could be another option.

I feel this game has the potential of being a high goal thriller with both teams really needing to make an impact on the league if they are to stop those in front from getting away. Orient drew their last home game against Sheffield Utd and lost the one before that to Crawley, not having scored in either match. I hope that gives you Cherry fans some hope.

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