A bit too early to think top 10

I was a bit concerned that Adam Smith was telling the Bournemouth Echo that AFCB could finish top 10 at this precise moment in the season. We are only two games in and four points against two newly-promoted sides is not a complete reflection of what the league is going to look like this season. It's a bit too early to shout we're going to finish in the top half.

Adam Smith dreams of a big season for AFCB.

I admire the confidence and the need to set targets. Bournemouth have only finish in the top 10 once in their four Premier League seasons so it is a legitimate aim to have, but let's not get carried away just yet. The games against Man City and Leicester City will give us more of an idea of what AFCB are up against if they are to finish in the top half. If the Cherries can get anything from those games then we can start thinking a little more optimistically.

At the moment, the player should just be getting their heads down and working hard. The team is not going to keep picking up points unless they try and improve and are ready to face the big teams when they come up. AFCB are far from the finished article and they'll need to play much better than they have in their first two games to take points off Man City and Leicester City.

Coastal Garden Buildings

The main way they can seek to do that is in tightening up their defence. Two nil-nil draws would not be a bad end to the first month, even if the lure of three points in one of these games would put Bournemouth in a very strong position going into next month's fixtures.

Was it the right tactics for AFCB to park the bus?

Talk Sports Adrian Durham was dismissive of Eddie Howe's tactics against Man City and wondered that Bournemouth's manager had been thinking when he set out to frustrate Pep Guardiola's side by parking the bus. Well, Durham should consider that AFCB were hammered 5-1 by Arsenal only a few days earlier and another hammering by City would have left the team in a dire state. At least now the players know they fought hard and came close to preventing City from taking the points. It leaves them with a better mindset for the upcoming games and gives Howe something to build on.

There was more than one bus at Dean Court last Saturday.

Bournemouth could have set out with a more ambitious plan. It would have given the game a more exciting spectacle for the neutral, but Bournemouth cannot be accused of not attacking at least 36 games a season, and I actually didn't mind seeing the team man the barricades for once with the home crowd getting behind the team and cheering every tackle. It's not how we want the team to play every week. Yet, what was Howe to do against a team that is trying to win the title?

If there was a negative about what Howe did it was that he couldn't get the players to break with any conviction and for 90 minutes without a shot on target. Bournemouth have not been so out-played in a long time. Howe said he had a challenge to make the team competitive and that he felt this was the best way. I suspect he knew he would receive some criticism from some quarters for the way he set up the team, but he had to use what players he had at his disposal. Would playing Lys Mousset and two up front have given Bournemouth more opportunities - probably not. The team couldn't get the ball with four in midfield and with two up top it just would have given Man City one less body to get past.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

The stark fact remains that Man City won the game. So you could say Howe didn't get it right. But perhaps there was no right team he could pick with so many injuries and the power and control that City would play with. A 0-1 defeat might well have been the best this Bournemouth side could have done.

Mixed feelings about Boruc's game

Artur Boroc was awarded man of the match by the sponsors of the game against Man City. I can understand why he was heralded by some as he made some great saves during the 90 minutes, but he was also perhaps disappointed with his part in the City goal - he might have done better.

Boruc just needs t get his kicking sorted.

Boruc was getting a lot of stick for his first half goal kicking, which was not exactly on target on the swirling wind. He put four or five kicks straight out of play and was kicking very long on the day.  He also had one clearance that almost fell to a City player, but David Brooks managed to help the ball on its way to safety.

What was pleasing about Boruc was his positioning and his starting points when he had to race out of goal. He caught the ball well and remained alert all the time. He might have been embarrassed by Aguero's second half chip, but I'm not even sure if he got a touch on that before it came off the bar and when Stirling was one-on-one against him, Boruc was swift to get out and slap the ball away from Stirling before Mahrez shot over.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

I had wondered whether Boruc could even have faced the axe after the Arsenal game, but he played well enough to deserve his selection. Boruc also knows when he has to do better and he had quite a bit of fun with the home crowd when he did get a kick right. These are the characters that you want in your team as they fight for everything and relate to the fans when things don't always go as planned. Boruc is a crowd pleaser and we love him for it.

Team spirit will grow after City match

It wasn't easy to take on Man City. AFCB pulled on all their reserves to try and get something from the game and they need have no shame about the result. The fact that they all worked so hard for each other was great to see and it will benefit the team going forward.

Helping each other out builds team spirit.

If Bournemouth had suffered another heavy defeat, there would have been a lot of doubt about where the next points would come. Now they can attack the next few games with the reassurance that they can get through games without conceding heavily. The home form has been a big help this season and while the players feel comfortable playing at Dean Court they have to stick together when they go to away matches, and start seeing if they can at least keep a clean sheet in those games.

The big games are pretty much out of the way in terms of the top six with just Spurs yet to visit Dean Court. It should refocus the players to sharpen their game now and see how they can start imposing their game on the opposition. These are the games that gave AFCB the wonderful start, and if they can pick up even half as many points in their last nine games as they did in their first nine, Bournemouth will get a solid mid-table finish.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

The pleasing part of the Man City game for me was that Bournemouth still had many players out and that they should be a stronger side in the coming games. Eddie Howe will be desperate to get the win in the next match to put the team on a firmer footing still.

In other news: David Brooks signs a new long-term contract at AFCB, warding off any summer interest for the Welsh international.

Bournemouth's stubborn resistant just couldn't hold out

It was a brave display that Bournemouth gave against Man City. It is one thing to set out to defend for 90 minutes and quite another to carry out the plan. The whole team tried to stick to their task and mark their man and while they did that for most of the game, Mahrez ran off the back of Ryan Fraser and Daniels couldn't get back to cover when Mahrez had time to shoot past Boruc.

Despite the defensive organisation, AFCB couldn't keep Man City out.

The team looked defender heavy when it was released, and sure enough Howe had decided to go with a back five with Adam Smith in midfield to give extra protection on the right and Brooks placed next to Surman to try and give King some kind of possession, if Bournemouth could break. It was interesting to see that Gosling had been dropped and while that was the case, my eagle-eyed friend, Damien Hill, said he didn't see him on the bench even though he was named among the subs.

It was a shock to see Jack Simpson get another game in this fixture of all the matches Eddie Howe could pick to play him in, but he has everything you need to be a top Premier League defender. What was noticeable was that the defenders were working together well. They didn't get in each others way despite there being so many bodies in Bournemouth's box.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

Holding out against City was always going to need a bit of luck as well. Bournemouth didn't get that on the afternoon. A point would have been a fantastic reward for the player's efforts, but they have to see this as a good performance where they did what the manager asked of the and defended well for most of the game.

Bournemouth blockade can't keep out Mahrez

Match Report

AFCB 0 v 1 Man City

2 March 2019

The Cherries do their best to try and hold City

Bournemouth fans could expect a rough ride for this match against the champions and yet their first half performance was inspiring for the team's organisation and dogged defiance. City cam to plunder and they tried every trick to try get behind Bournemouth's defence. The stalemate couldn't last in the end, and Riyad Mahrez scuffed shot sped past Boruc at his near post to put City in front. It was then a question of whether Bournemouth could change their game around and attack. They just didn't have the players to do it, and any hostility was left for Kevin Friend the referee, who didn't have the nerve to send Kyle Walker off after City's right-back had scythed through Josh King.

The Cherries made three changes with Lys Mousset, Jordan Ibe and Dan Gosling moving to the bench and a surprise start was given to Jack Simpson, who also had Charlie Daniels and David Brooks for company. There was no Callum Wilson on the bench despite a late fitness test for the striker.

There are more images on Match Day Gallery.

Bournemouth set up very defensively with a back five of Clyne, Mepham, Simpson, Aké and Daniels. The strategy seemed to be to stop City from getting down the sides and the plan was carried out well up to half-time. The first five minutes saw Aguero have a shot blocked and Otamendi have a header go wide.

Mepham and Simpson were making their tackles and getting a foot in when ever Clyne was turned by Sterling. It was Aké that Bournemouth were looking to the most. He was winning headers and shielding the ball from Aguero.

Aké almost caused Bournemouth problems on 13 minutes when he headed a City corner down into the ground, but luckily Boruc was there and could catch the ball easily. Boruc was also ready when de Bruyne floated a cross in from the right.

Bournemouth fans might have even thought this could be the way of things to come when De Bruyne shot wide on 19 minutes. Meanwhile, Boruc was having goal kicking troubles in judging the wind and the North stand weren't letting him forget it.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

Fraser had a chance to relieve some pressure but a poor touch didn't give Brooks a chance to keep the break going. Brooks was having enough trouble in getting fouled and Kevin Friend deciding he hadn't been fouled. The home crowd was then on the referee's back for the rest of the game.  

Corners were being cleared if a bit fortuitously at times. It was backs to the wall stuff. Otamendi attempted a bicycle shot on one corner which went over. Aguero was next to fire over after Daniels challenge. Still, De Bruyne had started to find space in behind AFCB's defence.

The home crowd were getting behind Bournemouth's stern defence and when Fraser went down they were furious that Friend didn't blow for a free kick. 

Man City weren't getting flustered, but there didn't seem any space and Aguero was caught offside as soon as he tried to find a way through the middle.

Sterling's shot just over the corner of the goal brought another big cheer, but it was more a cry of relief. De Bruyne went down injured on 45 minutes and had to be subbed for Mahrez and the two minutes of added time saw City get as close to a goal as they had all half, when a combination of Aké, Simpson and Boruc cleared the ball off the line with Aguero looking to stab the ball home.

0-0 at half-time.

Second half
There was no early capitulation second half. Bournemouth had something to battle for. Aké even tried to get his head on a free kick that came as a result of a foul on King, but Ederson punched the ball and took out Aké at the same time.

Vincent Kompany then came on for John stones.

Adam Smith showed how hard it was for Bournemouth to keep any possession as he ran most of the pitch, but couldn't get a pass off before he was surrounded by blue shirts. 

Sterling won a corner on 50 minutes and Simpson somehow flicked the ball from behind him away before Brooks could finish the clearance. Man City kept testing Bournemouth's defence, and finally found a way through moving the ball from the left to the right, where Mahrez was standing on his own and half-hit a shot that bobbled past Boruc at his near post.

Bournemouth had held out for 54 minutes, but they hadn't managed to test City at all. Boruc had to make low save from Zinchenko, as City drove forward again. Aké was making interceptions well while Fraser came off worse in a 50:50 shoulder barge challenge when the referee saw no foul. Sterling was then left in space with Simpson chasing but the City winger could only shoot into the side netting. 

Otamendi was booked after a City corner on 65 minutes, but the decisions didn't feel like they were going AFCB's way. Daniels long throw into City's box came out to Surman who had a high boot in the face, but again there was no foul given.

Sterling and Aguero were linking well and Aguero forced Boruc into a good save on 69 minutes. Brooks was then subbed on 75 minutes for Mousset.

A mistake from Simpson trying to head back a ball, after Vincent Kompany had headed it forward, alerted Sterling who was on to it like a flash. Brocu came out and forced him wide before Mahrez smashed his shot over.

Mepham and Aké were still having to make blocks. Aguero almost made the game safe with a lofted chip that came off Boruc's crossbar with the keeper well beaten, but Bournemouth were keeping it at 0-1. 

Simpson was subbed for Ibe to come on and Rico replaced Clyne with 10 minutes to go. The referee was called into question again on 84 minutes when King was taken out by Walker on half way. It could easily have been a red, but Kevin Friend only showed a yellow. Josh King got a yellow too, probably for something he said.

Boruc made another save from Mahrez's header following a corner as the last five minutes were entered. Mousset might have done better with a rare misplaced City pass, but he choked when facing the last line of City's defence and couldn't find a player to pass to.

Aguero still looked for his goal and had a run across the box that ended with a wide shot.  Aguero was then subbed for Jesus to come on in the 90th minute. Four minutes of added time still weren't enough to give Bournemouth a shot on goal.

Plenty of applause for a gutsy AFCB performance.

Summary
After the humiliating 5-1 defeat at Arsenal, I think the fans could understand that the players needed to get some confidence back. For that reason most fans could except the negative set-up and the need to just try and keep City out for 90 minutes. The plan didn't quite work, but it was not due to a lack of effort from Bournemouth who tried to cover every City move. On another day this could have been a dull 0-0 draw. But City were just great at keeping their heads and in the end Bournemouth didn't manage to mark everyone tight enough with Mahrez able to get the winner in what could so easily have been a bad day for City and a great one for AFCB.

AFCB line up

AFCB subs: Begovic, Rico, Gosling, Taylor, Ibe Mousset, Surridge

AFCB Ratings
Boruc 7 - despite the poor kicks
Clyne 6 - hard tackling and close attention
Simpson 7 - a natural defender, he deserves get more games
Mepham 6 - gaining confidence
Aké 8 - Bournemouth's main man
Daniels 5 - worked hard but found it tough going at times
A Smith 5 - A few good runs but couldn't influence the game
Surman 5 - Some good clearances
Fraser 6 - Gave his all but didn't get much protection from the referee
Brooks 6 - Finding his way back, the minutes will do him good
King 5 - Didn't see much of the ball and needs to do his work in the opposition's box

Ref Watch: Kevin Friend - 2/10 Got affected by home crowd getting on his back. Walker was lucky not to see red.

Man City
Ederson, Walker, , Stones (Kompany 48), Otamendi, Zinchenko, De Bruyne (Mahrez 45+2),
Gündogan, Silva, Bernardo Silva, Agüero (Jesus 90), Sterling

City Subs
Muric, Danilo, Kompany, Sané, Mahrez, Jesus, Foden

Man City are top of all the stats

Eddie Howe has a big job on his hands looking at the stats for Man City. They top just about every chart and table and it can't make good reading for any Premier League manager plotting to over turn Pep Guardiola.

Possession can almost expect to be conceded with Man City having made 9100 passes so far this season compared to Bournemouth's 5536. City average almost double the amount of passes to Bournemouth per game and of course City are out scoring everyone having scored 40 goals compared to Bournemouth's 22. In that respect losing by less than three goals could be considered a good performance as that is what City are averaging per game.

Surprisingly Bournemouth do beat City in at leat one statistic. On penalties City have not had one whereas Bournemouth have scored five. On clearances as well Bournemouth have had to make more with 392 compared to 187. Begovic has also been the busier keeper making 36 saves compared to Ederson's 20 saves.

The one place AFCB need to try and compete is in passing accuracy where they are averaging 79 per cent compared to City's 89 per cent. In tackles too, City have a 70 per cent success rate compared to Bournemouth's 60 per cent. While Bournemouth are not a tall team they have won 876 aerial battles to City's 732 - it is likely that Guardiola will not look to launch high balls int Bournemouth's box.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

We know Bournemouth won't get many chances but they just have to try and take them in this game if they are to cause an upset. I'm going for a more experimental line up resting Ryan Fraser and bringing in Stanislas and Surman with three at the back. Let's see what Eddie does with no Jefferson Lerma available and Dan Gosling facing a late fitness test on his knee.

AFCB possible line up

AFCB Subs: Boruc, Mings, Gosling, Fraser, Ibe, Defoe, Mousset

AFCB Away Form
LLWWL

Man City Home Form
WWWWW

Chimes to Camera: AFCB 2 v 1 Arsenal


Win a Cherry Chimes T-Shirt

Try and guest the correct score for Man City v Bournemouth and Tweet your answer to @CherryChimes before 12.00 am Saturday. We will pick a winner from those who predict the correct score.

Sterling's late, late, winner is a cruel blow to gallant Bournemouth

Match Report

AFCB 1 v 2 Man City

26 August 2017

Attendance: 10,419

There wasn't a Bournemouth fane in the stadium at the end of the game who didn't think their team had not been hard done by this result. Raheem Sterling always seem to score against the Cherries and he left it late or should I say probably in overtime as it was into seven minutes of added time, when only five had been held up on the assistant referee's board. It counted though and this one was cruel on Eddie Howe's side who had set about the game with real gusto and ability, which had been missing in previous games. A supersonic left-sided run by Charlie Daniels ended with a goal of the season contending missile of a shot that rocketed AFCB into the lead on 13 minutes. Yet, quick thinking City fought back with a fast free kick that was swiftly worked to the feet of Jesus who slid the ball past Begovic to draw level eight minutes later. While Josh King came close to regaining a Bournemouth lead when he smashed a shot against City's post in the second half, the match was stolen away from Bournemouth's hard working players by Sterling's late raid.

AFCB and Man City at Dean Court.

There were several changes to the Bournemouth line up. Deciding to play three at the back was certainly an inspired decision with Tyrone Mings coming into the team. Dan Gosling also joined Arter and Surman in central midfield to stave Man City of too much possession and Jermain Defoe got his first Premier League start for the Cherries.

AFCB look to give City a tough game.

More pictures are on Match Day Gallery

Advertisement

Broom Hill Garden Buildings

Adam Smith was the first Bournemouth to catch the eye in winning a free kick and finding space on the right side. One of his early crossed found Josh King in a good shooting position, but the front man unfortunately mis-timed his kick. 

Nathan Aké had a nervous early moment in having to get a touch back to Begovic after Kevin De Bruyne had fought his way into Bournemouth's box. 

AFCB's attacking presence was evident too as Surman found himself well placed to hit a shot centrally, but didn't get a clean hit. Bournemouth won possession back well though and as everyone expected Daniels to put a cross in, he unleashed an unstoppable half volley that rose beautifully to smash its way off the underneath of the bar to nestle in the top-side, right corner, of Man City's goal. The Cherries were 1-0 up on 13 minutes and the noise from the home fans was tremendous.

City had a great chance to strike straight back with Nicolas Otamendi firing wide of the left post.

AFCB almost made it 2-0 when Surman played a cross to Defoe who stretched to make the volley but Ederson moved to his left to keep it out, before Adam Smith fired a shot back across the goal. Bournemouth were playing so well at hustling for the ball that it was as though there was only one team on the pitch. 

Matters were about to change. Sterling tested Boruc's positioning with a tester of a shot that sunk into the keeper's chest. But wen Aké fouled Gabriel Jesus some 35 yards out, City took the kick so quickly that a hole opened up through the middle for Gabriel Jesus, who raced through and slid the ball past Begovic to make it 1-1 on 21 minutes.

Mike Dean was not getting any cards out despite some persistent fouling by Benjamin Mendy, holding back Adam Smith. Aké was not so lucky for a foul on Jesus that earned him the first card.

City had come alive and ridden the early shock. Gabriel Jesus had the chance to test Begovic again after a Mendy cross from the left, but he shot wide from just 10 yards out. 

Steve Cook was then fully extended on getting a superb tackle from behind on Sterling. Gosling and then Minds also put in crunching tackles to keep City out of the box.

A misdirected pass from Aké ran straight to Otamendi, but his shot found Begovic well-positioned in the middle of the goal. De Bruyne was running matters now. Mike Dean was also letting City's subtle holding on Defoe go.

Aké had an ankle problem that he ran off. Begovic was employed again though as the half drew to a close saving twice from Fernandinho.

Half time score.

AFCB subs warming up.

Second half

There was a surprise that  Mike Dean offered City a free kick when Otamendi lost his boot instead of a drop ball when play was stopped. But at least the free kick went over everyone's head. 

Vincent Kompany received a yellow for fouling Josh King and David Silva also saw yellow for arguing about it. Arter was having a quiet game, but Josh King was just about to get everyone off their seat as Arter slid a pass to him from the left that King hit first time, driving the ball against City's left post! 

AFCB's pressure continued on the hour before City subbed Bernando Silva and brought on Sergio Aguero on 65 minutes. Begovic was having to make more saves as Fernnadinho shot from 25 yards out and forced a low save from the Bournemouth keeper.

Afobe replaced Defoe on 72 minutes but City kept up the pressure with Gabriel Jesus being kept out by Steve Cook's best endeavours. 

A great chance escaped Man City when Otamendi headed the ball against the post from a following corner and Begovic claimed the ball as it ran close to the goal line.

Mike Dean added another City name in the book when Mendy fouled Josh King. With Gabriel Jesus subbed for Leroy Sane, Guardiola was looking for a winner. Tyrone Mings was still making blocks and had had a fine game. Steve Cook picked up a booking and so would Mings in the last few minutes.

A dangerous position for a free kick, 25 yards out, could have been a problem but City fired it wide of the wall.

As five minutes of added time went up AFCB fans would have been content with a point. Afobe was injured and was holding his back after what looked a foul on him, but the referee ignored the foul. Lys Mousset would come on for the last few minutes as Afobe could not continue. The time the referee added on for this was crucial.

Adam Smith was then carded as Bournemouth looked to hold on. 

Begovic punched a corner kick away and all looked good until Mousset was pulled up for a foul that looked a good tackle. Harry Arter was yellow carded for flinging an arm at Sterling.
King then beat a couple of players and shot well, but Ederson got down well to save.  

Mousset put in what looked to be a decent tackle at first, but Mike Dean saw the clipping of Otamendi's boot as a foul. It led to a free kick that was fed down the right. Sterling and Danilo did a one-two before Sterling spotted a gap to Begovic's right. He picked the shot out that was scooped into the goal to make it 1-2.

While the City players celebrated next to the away fans there was a pitch invasion of sorts despite the stewards' best efforts to hold the surge back. Mike Dean then showed a second yellow to Sterling for running into the away fans and he was sent off. The game had gone though and AFCB's players and fans just felt they had been cheated out of what would have been a fabulous result.

Man City fans celebrate.

Summary

A great battling performance form the Cherries might not have earned any points but the team has come out of its rut. Now it looks like a side that wants to win and is going to fight for every ball. The back three worked well and Bournemouth not only competed but bossed the game in the first 20 minutes. Had they got back ahead when Josh King hit the post they would have got something out of the game - it's that thin margin that costs teams sometimes. Eddie Howe can't be displeased with this performance. It was a determined effort for 90 plus minutes. Tyrone Mings and Begovic played extremely well and Aké and Steve Cook looked happier in a back three. There are some good signs here, especially with Josh King getting back to his best and the team looking more at one in their direction efforts.

Tyrone Mings fitted in well in the back three.

Eddie Howe said this  result was anew low for him.

The final score doesn't begin to tell the story.

AFCB
Begovic, A Smith, S Cook, Aké, Mings, Daniels, Gosling, Surman, Arter, King,
Defoe ((Afobe 73) Moussett 90+4)

AFCB Substitutes
Boruc, B Smith, L Cook, Fraser, Ibe, Mousset, Afobe

AFCB Ratings
Begovic 7, A Smith 7, S Cook 7, Aké 7, Mings 8, Daniels 7, Arter 5, Surman 5, Gosling 6, King 7, Defoe 6

Referee Watch: Mike Dean - dreadful performance 2/10 - never in control of the game in missing clear yellow cards or ignoring some fouls. The Cherries never tend to get many decisions from this referee.

Man City
Ederson, Danilo, Kompany, Otamendi, Mendy, De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Silva (Stones 90+1), Bernardo Silva (Agüero 66), Jesus (Sané 82), Sterling

City Subs
Bravo, Stones, Mangala, Y Touré, Delph, Sané, Agüero

Can Cherries take advantage of Man City's pressure to stay in top four?

As the international break has brought a period of reflection and at the top of the league their remains that unusual look about it and Man City are fighting just to hold on to fourth place. But City look like an injured animal. Raheem Stirling is out for up to four weeks with a groin problem and Joe Hart has damaged his calf and missed the international matches this last week as well. Yaya Touré is out and Vincent Kompany too is back on the sidelines with his calf failing in the Dynamo Kiev match when they also lost Nicolas Otamendi. But the good news for City is that Fabian Delph is expected back having missed the last nine games, and so is Samir Nasri, while Adam Smith may have his work cut out if he is up against a returning Kevin De Bruyne.

Taking out a few of Man City's top players is a bit of a help, but of course they have tremendous talent and the amazing Agüero and Silva are hardly going to be taking it easy on the Cherries with a top four finish at stake. Manuel Pellegrini has decisions to make though with the Champions League quarter-final first leg match against Paris St Germain coming just four days after the Bournemouth match.

AFCB's visit to the Etihad was memorable, but let's hope
for a very different game at Dean Court.

Even more concerning for Pellegrini is Man City's lack of form on the road. They have only won one of their last three away in the Premier League and have only scored one goal in those matches away at Sunderland. While the Capital One Cup was successfully bagged in the last few weeks, it is not a season that many Man City fans will be pleased about unless they can remain in the top four and go further in the Champions League. Pellegrini may have to decide whether the team is strong enough this season to have a real tilt at the Champions League or if it is more important to secure a place behind Leicester, Spurs and probably even Arsenal!

How Man City approach the game against AFCB will indicate much about what that choice is. A 5-1 thumping up at the Etihad last October will still be a dark memory for AFCB players. Eddie Howe needs his players to believe that they can compete against this very best and this is another chance for them to do that. Even the weakened team that Pellegrini put out against Chelsea in the cup was a young side that held their own in that match for 45 minutes, so Eddie knows that even a weakened Man City will have players that are eager to have the opportunity to play and the Cherries will have to be at their very best.

I just have a sneaky feeling that AFCB may have a secret weapon waiting on the bench to come on in this game! 

Man City Away Form
WDWDL

AFCB Home Form
WLLWW

Possible AFCB team: Boruc (GK), Smith (RB), Francis (CD), Cook (CD), Daniels (LB), Ritchie (RM), Surman (CM), Arter (CM), Gradel (LM), Grabban (FW), Afobe (FW)

AFCB subs
Federici, Distin, Elphick, O’Kane, Gosling, Pugh, WILSON?

Artur Boruc needs to be on top form against Man City

AFCB need all their players who are involved against Man City to have a big game. Above all though it is likely to be Artur Boruc that will need to be on his very best form if the Cherries are to get a positive result against a City side that are desperate to stay in the hunt for Champions League places in the table.

Artur Boruc did not get to play at the Etihad but he is
likely to take residence in goal against Man City this weekend.

While the Cherries have started to leak goals in their last two games they will be keen to put in a performance against a top team that gives them a clean sheet. Of the clubs in the top 10 positions in the league it has only been away at Chelsea and at home against Southampton where the Cherries have kept clean sheets. It is an area where Eddie Howe will know the side has to improve to pick up points as taking points off these higher sides is vital for confidence.

Artur Boruc has had moments of disappointment this season and has been playing with an injury that he hopes to manage until the summer. His distribution at the back and his kicking has come under pressure at times, but there is no doubt that he has been very important in tight games and the Cherries must hope to keep things tight against a City side who are full of goal scorers. What I do like about Artur is his consistent approach to games no matter what has happened the week before. He is a professional who may not always look energised to do well, but he is extremely focussed and likes to be in control and that gives a calmness to the defence that is needed at this level.

There have been seven goals scored against AFCB at home in their last five games and while a clean sheet might not be possible against City, AFCB must find the answer to limiting the forward power of the Manchester visitors. Artur can only do so much n goal and it is a team game. The big Polish keeper though has already made 60 saves this season and I am sure that he'll have some more to make on Saturday.

Score prediction
Get your score prediction in for the final score for AFCB v Man City. 

Simply Tweet your score clearly for each team to @CherryChimes before 9am this Saturday. It is free to enter and the person who guesses the correct score be in with chance to win the Dean Court fridge magnet with the Temporary Ted MacDougall South Stand still in full view. If there are more than one person with the correct score the winner will be pulled out of a hat from those with the correct score.

Thanks to our sponsors NatterjackVets, Altamira and Broom Hill Gardens for their support this season.

The Cherry Chimes Newsletter is out today.

Cherry Chimes' April Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month, including cushions are not for sitting on! Plus there is a special Newsletter article entitled: Defence and midfield must lead Howe's thoughts this summer

To sign up for the newsletter just complete the form below - like all good things it's free:

Email Address 

First Name

Last Name

Email Format

• html
• text