Friday, 28 August 2020

How might AFCB line-up for Benfica friendly?

It looks like AFCB are still living the Premier League high-life with a trip to Benfica in Portugal for their first pre-season friendly on Sunday. If finances were a concern, they are not being spared on pre-season training matches. But who will play for the Cherries in this game?
Sam Surridge has a big few weeks ahead of him.
With transfers still on-going, we could see some players rested if they are about to be sold. So it is an intriguing first line-up that we could see from Jason Tindall. We will immediately see if he is giving any younger players a shot at the first team and we could see who of Howe's old favourites are out of favour.
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While Begovic is back training with the team, it is likely that Mark Travers will be given the keeper gloves and perhaps Will Dennis in the second half. Adam Smith may be rested with potential interest in him reported, which would give Jack Stacey the right back spot. Diego Rico or Lloyd Kelly could start on the left side of the defence, while Steve Cook and Jack Simpson could be at centre-half, if Kelly is not used there. Chris Mepham was also back training but it might be too soon for him to play.
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Midfield should be very revealing into Tindall's thoughts with the season to come. Does he risk David Brooks who was injured in pre-season last year and with lots of transfer interest in him? International duties may mean we don't see David play just yet for AFCB, but JT could give Gavin Kilkenny a go who did well last year in pre-season. The middle of the park you would think would be occupied by Lerma and Billing, even if Aston Villa have shown interest in Billing. Dan Gosling is perhaps the choice if Billing is rested, but Lewis Cook may have to sit it out with Leeds United keen to see him come to Elland Road. There is also Nnamadi Ofoborh who could come into the reckoning if JT wants to see him up against top European players. Furthermore, Harry Arter is still with the AFCB, but perhaps will be over looked. Junior Stanislas we imagine would be the first choice for one of the wing positions, but Danjuma should get playing time I expect. Kyle Taylor could also be on the trip.

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That would just leave the strikers. It could be Solanke and Surridge to start if JT wants to push through sales of Callum Wilson and Josh King.

 There are a few decisions to be made which is what makes it curious for fans, but what we'd really like to see is a new signing unveiled. After much deliberation, I am guessing that this is a good balance between going strong and leaving some rather big names on the sidelines. Some of the players are also expected to be on international duty - this could mean Kelly and Travers miss out.
Possible AFCB line-up
Subs: Dennis, A Smith, Mepham, Simpson, Kilkenny, L Cook
Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Has Bogvic been singing AFCB striker's praises?

 In other news,Turkish website Fanatik Sports reports Galatasaray are closing in on Jefferson Lerma's signing.
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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous28 August 2020 at 06:45

    Playing some will show faith and belief in them for the new season, while others can be verbally re-assured that they have nothing to worry about so can come of the bench.

    Therefore Lerma can't start because seems to close to leaving and can be re-assured if he doesn't then he will be a big part. Conversely, Lewis has to play, whole game, and as Captain to send a loud message that he shouldn't leave.

    I would use Gosling from bench,because he is safe and play Taylor so we see what that looks like as a pair.

    King is away in Norway, so that just leaves Callum to get a run from the bench.

    We can't worry about Brooks, in fact picking up a niggle might help scupper a move so that he's around until Jan.

    Back four - Rico, Kelly, Mepham, Stacey if all fit.

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