Cherries' backline needs a stern test now

The win against Yeovil Town will have given the starting 11 a pretty good workout. Christian Atsu's injury  aside, the team was made to play to their strengths well into the second half and the attacking prominence of the Cherries was no doubt a delight to watch for those present if you were a red and black supporter. Yet, the back four and keeper didn't really get stretched as much as they might have been and with severe tests to come against Premier League sides I'm hoping that Cardiff City and Hoffenheim offer a sterner examination to the Cherries' backline.

Will Steve Cook get to partner Tommy Elphick on 8th August?

Artur Boruc was back in goal for the Cherries match against Yeovil Town. While he has been absent since the match against Philadelphia Union so he was probably hoping that he would be able to make his way gently back into the action. A few shot-stopping moments would have been good for him, but he'll have to do some more sharpening up on the training field.

At right back Adam Smith was again looking keen to get forward although perhaps not as much as we have seen him do in some other games. He's on good form though and that is great for the team. Cook and Distin might have also had a bit of an easy night, but playing together is still good practise for them so that they get to know each others style a bit better when in a match situation. Meanwhile, Tyrone Mings is shaping up well and starting to get more involved in games and I expect Eddie is really pleased with his big signing.

So what are AFCB's defensive players really in need of? Just a bit more of a threat against them. I am sure that Kenwyne Jones will want to give them something to think about and hopefully Hoffenheim will be on top form. I don't expect the next couple of games to be quite so one-sided.

 I get the feeling that Cook and Elphick will be AFCB's starting centre back pairing come 8th August, but they may not play together in either of the remaining pre-season fixtures. 

Finally, fingers crossed for Christian Atsu. Let's hope for a quick recovery and not to much of an injury. The Bournemouth Echo has been reporting that it is a back injury. If AFCB felt they wanted strengthening with a few more players they certainly will want to hasten that up now. Max Gradel is again being linked with AFCB.