There comes a time when a team needs to take the next step. For AFC Bournemouth we have seen them play at the top level now for two-thirds of the season, while they have toyed with cup competitions over the last couple of seasons without quite having the quality to really have a very big day out to celebrate - could this be the year? There is no reason why Cherries fans should not think big when the team is just two games from Wembley.
Everton are a great side with more internationals than the Cherries have in their squad. They are one of several Premier League teams though that rarely get to finals of competitions and they find games difficult along the way. Why can't Dean Court be their barrier for this season? It will be apparent to the bulk of their players that they did not cover themselves with glory last time they were down in Kings Park. I still don't think Roberto Martinez knows how his team only came away with a draw on that day.
I'm sure Martinez will put out the strongest side he possibly can as the FA Cup could be his best way into Europe with a favourable draw in the next round. It suits AFCB though if Everton are confident of getting the win this time. It would give the Cherries more of a boost if they beat a star-studied Everton side and they are capable of doing it, even if Eddie Howe decides that he has to rotate the team a little.
I also believe that AFCB play better when they think they are the underdogs. We have not really seen them get the upper hand in these kind of confrontations though when they have had similar big games against Liverpool in recent seasons. To go out to another Merseyside team in the cup at this stage would be disappointing and it is a hurdle that the players have to try and get over as it has been a familiar story in the cup competitions when they get near to a bit of glory. I'm hoping that the players take a look at that trophy cabinet at Dean Court and remember what it was like at Charlton last season to be lifting some silverware. They can feel well on the way to having a similar feeling if they can start beating teams like Everton today - it's a real chance to take a big step forward and build confidence for the Premier League campaign.
UTCIAD!
AFCB League home form
DLWLL
Everton League away form
WDDDW
Everton are a great side with more internationals than the Cherries have in their squad. They are one of several Premier League teams though that rarely get to finals of competitions and they find games difficult along the way. Why can't Dean Court be their barrier for this season? It will be apparent to the bulk of their players that they did not cover themselves with glory last time they were down in Kings Park. I still don't think Roberto Martinez knows how his team only came away with a draw on that day.
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| Beating Everton in the cup would come close to the wins against Chelsea and Man Utd in the league. |
I also believe that AFCB play better when they think they are the underdogs. We have not really seen them get the upper hand in these kind of confrontations though when they have had similar big games against Liverpool in recent seasons. To go out to another Merseyside team in the cup at this stage would be disappointing and it is a hurdle that the players have to try and get over as it has been a familiar story in the cup competitions when they get near to a bit of glory. I'm hoping that the players take a look at that trophy cabinet at Dean Court and remember what it was like at Charlton last season to be lifting some silverware. They can feel well on the way to having a similar feeling if they can start beating teams like Everton today - it's a real chance to take a big step forward and build confidence for the Premier League campaign.
UTCIAD!
AFCB League home form
DLWLL
Everton League away form
WDDDW
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