Can Pitman regain a starting place?

Goal scorers that hit the back of the net consistently are a rare commodity and are worth mega bucks in the Championship. AFCB may not have the strikers that are at the top of the table in terms of transfer fees, but they are a group of strikers that are consistently vying for a starting place in the team whenever two strikers are to be selected. Brett Pitman would have been a shoe-in back in August when the season began. Having banged in the majority of the team's goals last season and with Championship experience already under his belt, I was one of those who thought he would be a big hit this season.

Can Pitman find last season's form in front of goal?

While Brett has stayed free of injuries his form has not been consistently high enough to keep his place in the starting eleven, or at least Eddie Howe has not picked him to start as often as he might. While Brett has undoubted talent, he is finding it hard to make his mark in the Championship at the moment. I am not quite sure why as I said on the All Departments' Kangaroo Court earlier this week. While the Cherries have struck upon some success with just playing Grabban up front, opportunities have been limited for Tokelo Rantie and Yann Kermorgant as well. 

Has Brett been unlucky this season?

The important thing for Brett is to keep working hard and to wait for his opportunity. He did well this week with his goals in the Development squad and last time he did that he got into the team for the FA Cup match against Burton Albion. The competition has stepped up now though. I am sure Eddie Howe is well aware that five minutes on match day for Pitman or any striker is not long for him to make an impression and game time is important when you never know when you may be needed next. Personally, I believe there is not so much to choose between those strikers trying to get a start next to Grabban. The goals column doesn't say that Rantie or Kermorgant should be ahead of Pitman and so Brett still has an excellent opportunity to win more playing time if Eddie Howe believes his style is most suited to whatever opponent the team is playing on the day. 

It's probable that Rantie, Kermorgant and Pitman will all be searching for that bit of consistency that enables them to get more of the action. The competition should make the Cherries a tougher proposition, but like all teams we need them all to be confident of scoring and taking their chance when it comes. I believe that Pitman is capable or hitting his top form in the Championship with a run of games, but it maybe that Rantie or Kermorgant beat him to it this season.

Pitman is ready to fight for his place.

Don't forget to see what Derby Co Blog said ahead of the Cherries visit to the iPro stadium this weekend. See Rival Lines.