The form of Josh King and Benik Afobe has shot the Cherries back up to 13th in the league and they have been a major reason for the club's revival in fortunes. In the early part of the season they did not get to play together, and it is some times intriguing to see how the side develops during a season.
While most Premier League teams have one leading striker, the Cherries have had to dabble a bit with different players to get the goals they need. This can be a strength when the goals go in from different players, but not being over reliant on one striker is something that AFCB have learned. Eddie Howe talked about momentum in his press conference before the Sunderland game and much of that is down to the goals of this pair.
However, there is another young man on the sidelines who will be hoping to get more than five minutes on the pitch. Lys Mousset has the attitude of a greyhound wanting to be released form the traps. He has been used sparingly, and his frustration about missing a last minute goal against Middlesbrough was plain to see. He may not yet have the experience of some of the other members of the squad, but he needs to see his potential realised and while AFCB close in on safety, I'm hoping that Eddie Howe may actually start to give Lys a few more minutes. The ambition and energy that he brings to a game is very evident and unlike some of the signings who have not grabbed the crowd's excitement I think there is a real degree of not knowing how good Lys might be, and I don't even think Lys knows what he is capable of yet.
You don't throw an inexperienced striker into a game that could be so important for the Cherries league status though and Lys will have to see how the game goes. I see him as a player who knows now what Eddie Howe is looking for when he comes on, and I have a good feeling that he cane deliver, so even if Josh King or Benik Afobe come off in the last 15 minutes, Sunderland may find that Lys Mousset gives them just as many problems. If he could score the goal that saw the Cherries surpass 40 points, it would also help Lys to feel that he has really contributed to the Cherries season as well. UTCIAD!
Possible AFCB team
Boruc (GK), A Smith (RD), Francis (CD), S Cook (CD), Daniels (LD), Fraser (RM), L Cook (CM), Arter (CD), Pugh (LM), Afobe (FW), King (FW)
Mousset (FW)
While most Premier League teams have one leading striker, the Cherries have had to dabble a bit with different players to get the goals they need. This can be a strength when the goals go in from different players, but not being over reliant on one striker is something that AFCB have learned. Eddie Howe talked about momentum in his press conference before the Sunderland game and much of that is down to the goals of this pair.
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| Lys Mousset is not the main man but he certainly could benefit if he got a few more minutes. |
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You don't throw an inexperienced striker into a game that could be so important for the Cherries league status though and Lys will have to see how the game goes. I see him as a player who knows now what Eddie Howe is looking for when he comes on, and I have a good feeling that he cane deliver, so even if Josh King or Benik Afobe come off in the last 15 minutes, Sunderland may find that Lys Mousset gives them just as many problems. If he could score the goal that saw the Cherries surpass 40 points, it would also help Lys to feel that he has really contributed to the Cherries season as well. UTCIAD!
Possible AFCB team
Boruc (GK), A Smith (RD), Francis (CD), S Cook (CD), Daniels (LD), Fraser (RM), L Cook (CM), Arter (CD), Pugh (LM), Afobe (FW), King (FW)
Subs
Allsop (GK), B Smith (LD), Mings (CD), Cargill (CD), Stanislas (RM), Gradel (LM), Mousset (FW)
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