Thursday 7 February 2019

Should Gosling or Surman make way for Lerma return?

The central midfield area for Bournemouth may well see a change from the disappointing Cardiff game. Jefferson Lerma did come on in the second half and he looked as good as ever even if he was not able to turn Bournemouth's fortunes around. But if Lerma is ready to start who gets dropped?
Does Gosling have to make way on Saturday or could Howe play five in midfield?
The majority of AFCB fans would probably say they would like Surman to be ousted but I don't see that as being the likely scenario. Andrew did as well as any AFCB player in the last match and he very nearly scored had it not been for the acrobatics of Neil Etheridge who pulled off a spectacular top corner save. Surman was the captain of AFCB and as one of the senior players he may well find himself playing a few more games yet this season.

That would mean that Dan Gosling could be rested or at least find himself on the bench, if Howe decides to keep the same 4-4-1-1 formation. I always feel he gives the team a good attacking hunger to the central midfield as he does press forward, but he was the third player to be subbed against Cardiff, and wasn't seeing that much of the ball with the strategy of Cardiff to hit long balls to Niasse and Murphy over the top.

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The Liverpool game will be a more fast pace and close passing game I would think. The midfield will have to be strong and hold position well to stop Liverpool's attacking players getting between the midfield and the defence. That is why I expect the intelligent and stay at home mentality of Surman to get the nod for this one alongside Lerma. But Bournemouth can't afford to be too negative at Anfield. 

The other change Bournemouth will have to make is at right-back if they play 4-4-1-1. I forgot that Clyne won't be able to play as he is on loan so Adam Smith is likely to go to right-back and Charlie Daniels should come in at left-back for this match.

Playing five in midfield is also an option but it could mean Adam Smith was moved to the bench and Cook, Daniels and Aké forming the back three.

Anfield Index - Cherry Chimes previews Liverpool v AFCB 

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