Very few Man Utd supporters will expect their side to fail to get a top four finish now with just AFCB standing in their way on the final game of the season. But it falls to the Cherries to try and get their only double victory over a side this season at Old Trafford and playing at such a stadium should only inspire Eddie Howe's side to greater things.
AFCB have done well when visiting the big stadiums of Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle Utd and the bigger the challenge the more they have little to lose. In this game a defeat would leave the Cherries disappointed but still in 16th place which is an excellent first campaign at this level. Going up against Man Utd is probably not a game that Eddie Howe would have wanted last on the fixture list when he first saw it last August but it is more of a celebration and reward for how well the players have done now.
I imagine the training has been lively this week as who wouldn't want to walk out at Old Trafford? At least those who don't get in the side might get another chance next season. Scoring at the stadium though has to be the ultimate aim and beating David de Gea is a pretty good thing to have on your CV. But for me it is about how the team plays on Sunday that is all important. Can they come away saying they have tried to pass Man Utd off the pitch in their own ground?
To do that needs a special bunch of players and a well orchestrated team which is what AFCB have. What they haven't had is a good run of results. But AFCB can treat this match like a one off cup final. It will be similar to taking on any of the top six sides away and it is only at the King Power stadium where they found that inner determination to get something from the game and that was with 10 men for part of the match. Eddie Howe has said it is important how the team signs off in the last few games and to stop Man Utd at home when they are gunning for a Champions League place would be the best result of the season for the Cherries. I have no doubt about that.
AFCB have done well when visiting the big stadiums of Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle Utd and the bigger the challenge the more they have little to lose. In this game a defeat would leave the Cherries disappointed but still in 16th place which is an excellent first campaign at this level. Going up against Man Utd is probably not a game that Eddie Howe would have wanted last on the fixture list when he first saw it last August but it is more of a celebration and reward for how well the players have done now.
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| Beating Man Utd would cap a fantastic season for the Cherries. |
To do that needs a special bunch of players and a well orchestrated team which is what AFCB have. What they haven't had is a good run of results. But AFCB can treat this match like a one off cup final. It will be similar to taking on any of the top six sides away and it is only at the King Power stadium where they found that inner determination to get something from the game and that was with 10 men for part of the match. Eddie Howe has said it is important how the team signs off in the last few games and to stop Man Utd at home when they are gunning for a Champions League place would be the best result of the season for the Cherries. I have no doubt about that.
What are you talking about? Man United are 5th, two points and 18 goals behind their neighbours - Man City being away to Swansea - so they should not be "expecting" to overtake them. Hell, West Ham could overtake ManU if we draw and Southampton could as well if we win.
ReplyDeleteWe are behind Swansea (and WBA) on goal difference.