The match against Sunderland is one of those six pointers most fans would have said before the season kicked off. I still think it is a massive game for both clubs as the distance between them in terms of points will either close up considerably or set the two teams on a different course as we come to the end of 2016.
It would have seemed difficult for the Cherries to even think about getting three points against Sunderland only a couple of seasons ago, but the Cherries have become a highly-tuned outfit that can beat almost any side at Dean Court now. The games like this one though, where they are surely favourites, is almost an unusual position for them to be in these days. Home fans will expect them to win and win well after the demolition of Hull City less than a month ago in the same venue, but football doesn't always work like that. Even getting a point against Sunderland might not necessarily be a bad point at this stage in the season considering where both teams are in the table.
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Of course Eddie Howe will send his men out wanting them to win and take all three points in the last match before another international break. Yet, a defeat would cause major concern having lost in the previous weekend and lots of time before their next match. Keeping the players focussed on matter they can affect on the pitch is the most important aspect of any manager's pre-match talk, but I think this kind of match is a probable season defining match. Do AFCB want to be a string mid-table side or do they want to flirt with a position around the relegation zone? Winning these matches against teams in the bottom three is in my mind more pressured than any type of game. Sunderland will be coming with great intent to finally get their first three points and AFCB have to be really ready to deal with that.
AFCB have to get back to playing their normal strong home game. While Andrew Surman is not expected to play any part the players can look to win the game for him. That would bring more comfort to them and need to win rather than concentrating on the Black Cat's position. Home comforts are what AFCB need having not done so well on the road of late. UTCIAD!
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| Back at Dean Court the Cherries will want to regain momentum going into the international break. |
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Of course Eddie Howe will send his men out wanting them to win and take all three points in the last match before another international break. Yet, a defeat would cause major concern having lost in the previous weekend and lots of time before their next match. Keeping the players focussed on matter they can affect on the pitch is the most important aspect of any manager's pre-match talk, but I think this kind of match is a probable season defining match. Do AFCB want to be a string mid-table side or do they want to flirt with a position around the relegation zone? Winning these matches against teams in the bottom three is in my mind more pressured than any type of game. Sunderland will be coming with great intent to finally get their first three points and AFCB have to be really ready to deal with that.
This is a must win....as any other result would melt confidence ...There are some hard fixtures ahead and three points would lift the team to ninth...lets hope the manager makes some changes and gives the A players a chance...Afobe and Ake
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