Saints are pulling their weight now

The Southampton fans have probably been looking forward to this game with AFC Bournemouth and are rubbing their hands at the potential of a goal fest having seen the Cherries come in for some hidings of late. They have every reason to be confident with their side that has picked up from a slow start in the Premier League and now look well positioned to make a run at the top six places before the Christmas period. The Cherries have to play their game though and ensure that they are not drawn into a game plan that is too open and suits the Saints.

The match Southampton fans won't want reminding of this season is the game they had against Everton when Lukaku terrorised their defence. But since then they have put up stern resistance at St Mary's gathering seven points from their last four home games. More important to note is that in those four games they have scored some 10 goals. It's not just one player that gets their goals either. Graziano Pelle and Saido Mane already have five goals each and they always have Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez to bring on who have also netted five goals between them. Set-pieces have also been a source of goals for teams against the Cherries and that is music to the ears of Virjil van Dijk and Jose Fonte who like coming forward for such moments.

So while AFCB fans might be thinking it is great to play Southampton in the top flight the odds are stacked against AFCB in this fixture. The Saints are a powerful team and yet they have not always found it easy going against the teams that have been working hard to win points like Watford and WBA. AFCB have to make themselves equally hard to beat in this game. One win is the only points that the Cherries have got in their five away games.

AFCB players need to get some points now, whether it's a derby match or not.

Southampton Home form:
WLWWD

AFC Bournemouth Away form:
LWLLL

I have a comment in the Sunday Observer today about the Southampton and AFC Bournemouth derby. Check out Rival Lines as well for the full list of questions I was asked about the derby and my answers.

Out today - Cherry Chimes' November Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month, plus a special Newsletter article entitled 17 points by Xmas?

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