The Bournemouth Echo mentioned last week that Simon Francis would be one of the players that might struggle to make the squad against Arsenal. Having not been rushed back into the side for the Man City game, Eddie may be hoping that Simon is in a stronger position to be in contention for the Arsenal match. Still, is his leadership the missing ingredient at the moment?
Although Steve Cook, Nathan Aké and Tyrone Mings have played well the goals have still been going in and Howe has to find something that limits chances for their opponents. Even if Mings and Steve Cook form the central defenders for the Arsenal match in a back four, it will be necessary to have a good centre back on the bench, so both Francis and Aké's fitness is probably the major worry for Eddie Howe this week.
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| Simon Francis could be back in contention for a starting place against Arsenal. |
Well, things didn't start well for Simon leading the team at WBA. Why should it just turnaround with him in the team now? What Eddie Howe will be searching for though is familiarity about the way AFCB prepare for games and not having Simon Francis available is pretty much unusual considering the last few seasons and his near 100 per cent availability. Francis is that fatherly figure that tells players it will be okay and maybe AFCB need a bit of that right now.
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While the fitness of Nathan Aké could also be a concern it will be very timely if Francis can make it at least onto the bench for the Arsenal game. Just having him around and pushing on the others will be a positive factor. If he plays, it will probably be back to the experienced Championship back four one suspects and that's not necessarily a bad thing as it is tried and tested. But Francis, Cook and Mings could keep the back three system going if Howe has to do without Aké.
Although Steve Cook, Nathan Aké and Tyrone Mings have played well the goals have still been going in and Howe has to find something that limits chances for their opponents. Even if Mings and Steve Cook form the central defenders for the Arsenal match in a back four, it will be necessary to have a good centre back on the bench, so both Francis and Aké's fitness is probably the major worry for Eddie Howe this week.
The problem is a soft centre immediately in front of the defence line. Arter has not started well, and Surman is IMO a squad player at best. Ake should be deployed as cover to the back 3 or 4, and L Cook brought in to give the creativity that is missing. S Cook would be an ideal captain and his game would also raise with the additional responsibilities. Having said that I am surprised having let M Wilson go that we did not bring in a right sided defender, as Francis a fabulous servant of the club is really in his twilight.
ReplyDeleteI can't understand why so many fans seem negative on players like Surman and Francis.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is much wrong with the defence, but continuing with a central three might not be a bad idea, particularly if it gives more freedom to our wing backs. Corners, however are still a concern - and this time Otamendi had a free header which hit the post ! What is the downside of having men at each post for corners ?