Watching Bournemouth play in the last few games has been like stepping back to earlier games in the season. It's like the players have forgotten what gets them results. They need to go out and enjoy the game and remember that they are good at this game, and especially at home. If they can't believe they are capable of ripping any side apart then they end up focussing too much on their own anxieties, and it's just not healthy and doesn't get results.
So Bournemouth need a mindset change. They are in a rut and that may seem hard to fathom having gained seven points from the last 12 available. It is the way that the side has been crumpling though against Swansea and Burnley that is cause for concern. Even the win against Huddersfield did not seem like a 4-0 romp, but more like a fortunate two goal head start that gave the team confidence to finish the Yorkshire side off.
We haven't seen the Cherries attack games from the off in the compelling and captivating way they used to. I'd say the performance levels have been at about 60 per cent and that is not going to do for a game against Southampton who will take advantage of AFCB are still off their game. The players know how far they are off the mark and this game gives them an opportunity to put the past behind them again. They need to feel that they are at home, that the crowd is willing them to win and that beating Southampton would give them a huge lift going into December.
While there is not so much wrong at the back with the number of clean sheets that have been achieved in recent games, there is much need of greater creativity. If Junior Stanislas is nearly 80 per cent ready it just might be worth sticking him on the bench as Bournemouth have really been lacking the kind of quality crosses he can provide and his sharp interlinking play. What we do know is Ryan Fraser is ready and does have an impact so let's just hope he starts.
It's a huge run of games now and this one sets the trend. Bournemouth have another chance to set their season up and take that into the next few games but a performance anything like the Burnley match will be easy for Southampton. I'm opting for staying with the the 4-4-1-1 formation, even though Eddie might be tempted to play three at the back.
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| Get these guys on the pitch. |
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We haven't seen the Cherries attack games from the off in the compelling and captivating way they used to. I'd say the performance levels have been at about 60 per cent and that is not going to do for a game against Southampton who will take advantage of AFCB are still off their game. The players know how far they are off the mark and this game gives them an opportunity to put the past behind them again. They need to feel that they are at home, that the crowd is willing them to win and that beating Southampton would give them a huge lift going into December.
While there is not so much wrong at the back with the number of clean sheets that have been achieved in recent games, there is much need of greater creativity. If Junior Stanislas is nearly 80 per cent ready it just might be worth sticking him on the bench as Bournemouth have really been lacking the kind of quality crosses he can provide and his sharp interlinking play. What we do know is Ryan Fraser is ready and does have an impact so let's just hope he starts.
It's a huge run of games now and this one sets the trend. Bournemouth have another chance to set their season up and take that into the next few games but a performance anything like the Burnley match will be easy for Southampton. I'm opting for staying with the the 4-4-1-1 formation, even though Eddie might be tempted to play three at the back.
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| Possible AFCB line up against Southampton. |
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