What can we expect to see at pre-season matches?

Tickets for AFCB's pre-season home matches of Portsmouth (23 July) and Bristol City (27 July) go on sale today. While they are no more than friendlies they will be very important for the squad as it prepares for life in the Championship. These games are also a chance to see some different combinations of players than the usual starting eleven so we might see a few surprises in the line ups.

It will be interesting to see Ryan Fraser get a full run out for a match. I would like to see how he goes in a full match and if his crossing ability is good as we have not had much of a chance to see much more than a few minutes of his dribbling runs during last season. Miles Addisson is likely to get a good work out to see if he can put any pressure on Steve Cook's place and Darryl Flahavan will probably get some matches. It's possible too that Eddie Howe may give Fogden and MacDonald a go as a pairing in midfield for a change, while previous loan players such as Demouge, Thomas and Zubar will be back training and could feature at some point.

Of course those who are not picked to get any time in these games are the ones that Eddie Howe is probably wanting to move on this summer. You would expect some not to travel to Europe and play in the Zurich game which is as soon as 5 July. However, by the time we get to the Portsmouth and Bristol games more of the preferred staring 11 are likely to be lining up in the Red & Black shirt.

While it is difficult for all but the most ardent of AFCB fans to see all the pre-season games it will be good to see the lads back in action before the start of the season proper. My choices though are likely to be the West Ham and Woking games. Let us know what games you are most intent on seeing pre-season.