Friday 19 June 2020

How does Howe set up to get a clean sheet?

Bournemouth have not managed to get a clean sheet this calendar year and the next fixture represents a good opportunity to get one on the board with Crystal Palace the visitors. Palace have scored 26 goals this season, which is less than one a game.
Bournemouth have to play their A game now, there are no more chances.
Bournemouth still have some excellent defenders. I would like to see Jack Stacey continue as the right back, as he gets forward so well and has been getting in on the assist act, which has been more difficult for creative players like Ryan Fraser, Harry Wilson and Junior Stanislas. But I would like to see change at left back. 

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It's not that I don't think Adam Smith is capable of playing well there, but he doesn't give the team the right balance that a left footed player can give and Diego Rico hasn't done much wrong this season, despite being out of favour. Meanwhile, Lloyd Kelly could be a surprise pick and could add some youthful energy. While I expect Eddie may well stick with Adam Smith, I can't help but feel it is a slight weakness in the back four on the left side.

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What is the best back four available to Howe? I suppose Daniels, Aké and Steve Cook have to be the picks, along with Stacey now. But if it is Smith, Aké, Cook and Stacey – can they get a clean sheet ? Yes, if everyone plays their part. The concentration has to be better than it has been and I hope Aaron Ramsdale is allowed to kick long, when he sees the need to break any press from Palace on our defenders. 



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If Bournemouth can minimise the risks at the back and work hard on getting a clean sheet, they can get the perfect result on Saturday. They need the win to get their belief up and to put pressure on other teams - it's going to be a very exciting and nervous game for AFCB fans.

 Injury doubts for AFCB - David Brooks hand injury, Philip Billing Ankle injury.

Form doesn't mean much coming into this game but here it is:
Crystal Palace Away
DDDLW

 AFCB Home
DLWWD

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1 comment:

  1. Utc20 June 2020 at 00:02

    Strange you said that about Smith. He's always been a player for me who is committed, ups the tempo and gets the team going. That type of player has been short on the ground this season.

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