There is no easy solution to AFCB's problems in the Premier League but they can take stock with an FA Cup game against Everton this weekend and try and find a confidence booster by winning through to the sixth round. That would be an ideal scenario and while Everton are a string side, it is a match where the Cherries should be able to play with freedom and composure in front of a home crowd that wants them to go through.
Building momentum is what this mad football game is all about. The Cherries have come to a grinding halt not only in terms of winning games but more importantly in playing to their strengths. Eddie Howe now has to find those strengths of high pressing, early runs and accurate shooting in front of goal. The difficulty is that the players that were not ready to put in a strong performance against Stoke may not be the right players to play Everton in the FA Cup.
Eddie can play a similar side to that which won through against Portsmouth to reward those players and he could also push some of the players that disappointed against Stoke back into the fray. Eddie does not tend to reward poor performers though, so it should be those who have carried most of the cup games that get the nod to play. It will give players like Distin, Elphick, Iturbe, O'Kane and Grabban a chance to push their case for the first team. Those that work hardest and play with quality are what Eddie Howe wants to see now. The past is past, but the future fixtures are unwritten and any of those in the 25-man squad can do their chance of playing in the run-in a lot of good by having a good performance this coming weekend.
There is no pressure on the players to win this game either. AFCB may be at home but they are not favourites in my mind against an Everton team that is used to getting to quarter finals and beyond. It is a day to try and write some new history in AFCB's cup story and to get a shot at quarter final in the best cup competition in the world.
I just hope Eddie Howe says to his players - go out and enjoy it! Enjoy the occasion and play your socks off. Take the game to them and hit them as hard as you can and show everyone what a good side you are. UTCIAD!
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| Eddie has to keep the team going forward with his selections. |
Eddie can play a similar side to that which won through against Portsmouth to reward those players and he could also push some of the players that disappointed against Stoke back into the fray. Eddie does not tend to reward poor performers though, so it should be those who have carried most of the cup games that get the nod to play. It will give players like Distin, Elphick, Iturbe, O'Kane and Grabban a chance to push their case for the first team. Those that work hardest and play with quality are what Eddie Howe wants to see now. The past is past, but the future fixtures are unwritten and any of those in the 25-man squad can do their chance of playing in the run-in a lot of good by having a good performance this coming weekend.
There is no pressure on the players to win this game either. AFCB may be at home but they are not favourites in my mind against an Everton team that is used to getting to quarter finals and beyond. It is a day to try and write some new history in AFCB's cup story and to get a shot at quarter final in the best cup competition in the world.
I just hope Eddie Howe says to his players - go out and enjoy it! Enjoy the occasion and play your socks off. Take the game to them and hit them as hard as you can and show everyone what a good side you are. UTCIAD!
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