The AFCB team to play against Luton Town in the FA Cup could be a very experimental eleven. Eddie Howe has full license not to pick players who have been playing with knocks and who need the rest before the all important home game against Watford next weekend.
I am not sure if I want Bournemouth to do that well in the FA Cup which seems criminal. But if the club's Premier League status is under threat, then it is important to protect the players that don't need to play in the Luton game. For once defeat would be accepted if it meant a win against Watford the week after.
But Eddie Howe has to pick a team no matter what. In goal it could be Mark Travers or Artur Boruc, but it is probably wisest to give the younger keeper the game for the experience. I'd be inclined to leave Simon Francis at right back, but Jack Simpson could come in to partner Chris Mepham, and perhaps we will see an U21 player at left back. Andrew Surman is the only central midfielder that Howe has with experience who has not been getting games and I'd expect him to start, perhaps with Matt Butcher. Gavin Kilkenny is surely also a right wing starter for this match, and the left wing is another position where an U21 could come in. It looks like Sam Surridge will start up front along perhaps with Alex Dobre, as Dominic Solanke probably needs to be protected with Josh King out and Callum Wilson needing rest.
Form aside, Luton Town do have some senior professionals like Marek Stech in goal and Kazenega Lua Lua who is perhaps well-known from his Brighton years. Bournemouth may have to be more aware of James Collins who has eight goals this season and former Cherries Academy player Harry Cornick who has six goals. Callum McManaman is another winger who has scored three goals this season and has played for Wigan, WBA and Sunderland.
A win would be a bit of a morale boost, but little more than that. If Luton had any form, this could be a great game for them but I imagine they are the best team Bournemouth could have drawn at this stage if they were going to get a Championship team. But lose to Luton Town and it is probably another invitation for the papers to tarnish Eddie Howe and the players for this season.
Let's get behind the players today and try and start the recovery. We have had our moan and it's time to try and give the players something to work with. UTCIAD!
AFCB Home Form
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Luton Away Form
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In other news Sam Surridge has signed a new four and a half year contract with AFCB - he is likely to be a massive player next season for the Cherries.
An extra story
I spoke with the Liverpool Echo about Dominic Solanke since his move to AFCB. I wish Dominic had't struggled at AFCB but he has.
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| Bournemouth will have a keeper change today. |
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But Eddie Howe has to pick a team no matter what. In goal it could be Mark Travers or Artur Boruc, but it is probably wisest to give the younger keeper the game for the experience. I'd be inclined to leave Simon Francis at right back, but Jack Simpson could come in to partner Chris Mepham, and perhaps we will see an U21 player at left back. Andrew Surman is the only central midfielder that Howe has with experience who has not been getting games and I'd expect him to start, perhaps with Matt Butcher. Gavin Kilkenny is surely also a right wing starter for this match, and the left wing is another position where an U21 could come in. It looks like Sam Surridge will start up front along perhaps with Alex Dobre, as Dominic Solanke probably needs to be protected with Josh King out and Callum Wilson needing rest.
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I am not optimistic of a win for the Cherries, but we are certainly going to see some young players and perhaps the fans will enjoy that rather than seeing the regulars struggle again. Luton Town are bottom of the Championship and were beaten 3-1 by Millwall last time out and have not won an away game since 28 September, when they beat Blackburn Rovers 1-2. They have had just one win in December against Wigan, but it's one win in seven games.
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Let's get behind the players today and try and start the recovery. We have had our moan and it's time to try and give the players something to work with. UTCIAD!
AFCB Home Form
WLLLD
Luton Away Form
LLLLL
In other news Sam Surridge has signed a new four and a half year contract with AFCB - he is likely to be a massive player next season for the Cherries.
AFCB TV Preview
I spoke with the Liverpool Echo about Dominic Solanke since his move to AFCB. I wish Dominic had't struggled at AFCB but he has.
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