A difficult game for AFCB protégés

Playing against Preston North End might not have seemed like a bad prospect pre-game, but it turned out to be the hardest game Bournemouth have had at home so far this season. With Preston streaking into a 3-0 lead, there didn't seem much hope of a comeback or any kind of effective response, but the Cherries managed to get a couple of goals in no small measure to the younger members of the squad.

AFCB's young recruits do extremely well in
a difficult game against Preston North End.

Of course, it was a full starting debut for Rodrigue Riquelme. He played for the first 45 minutes but didn't have a lot of joy in the few moments when he did get n the ball. It must have been quite a big game for him and it will be difficult for him knowing he was subbed at half-time. Jason Tindall said it was just down to a change in formation to get another striker on, but Riquelme will have to pick his head up and show in training that he is worthy of starts in games when needed.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream -now just 9.99!

The man who came on for Riquelme was Sam Surridge and he made the most of his time on the pitch. I think he should really be pushing to be in Tindall's mind for potential starts himself and he has shown he can make an impact from the bench. His heading ability is something different for AFCB and he showed that he is very capable in the box of creating space and getting away from defenders to score important goals.

Advertisement

The Disrupted Season (2019-20) completes the story of Eddie Howe's reign at AFC Bournemouth 
- it's available now for £11.49 as a paperback - visit Amazon to order

Jaidon Anthony was perhaps even happier in coming on to provide the assist for Sam Surridge. He may be annoyed that he didn't keep calm when he had a good opportunity to score himself but that will come with more game time. 

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

Jason Tindall was brave to make the changes he did when Bournemouth were trailing so heavily. The subs worked better than the half-time talk and it will have impressed Tindall that his youngsters took the game to Preston North End. The team as a whole might not have played their best football, but there are good young players coming through and if they can provide competition to the more established players we could see the starting 11 change a bit more as the season progresses.

Advertisement

Ebook version of The Disrupted season £9.99

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Preston inflict second defeat on the Cherries 2-3

Preston inflict second defeat on the Cherries 2-3

Match report

1 December 2020

AFCB 2 v 3 Preston North End

AFCB slip to their first home defeat and second loss of the season.

This was another chance for Bournemouth to go top with Norwich City playing on Wednesday, but Bournemouth didn't have it all their way. Preston North End have a good away record though and they scored on just 16 minutes when Tom Barkhuizen scored at the far post. Bournemouth were shell-shocked when Sinclair broke and lofted the ball past Begovic from deep to make it 0-2 just after half-time. Preston were simply devastating on the counter-attack and Bournemouth fell into the trap all too easily. While Junior Stanislas struck back with a free kick and Sam Surrdige pulled another late goal back, Bournemouth succumbed to their second defeat of the season.

Advertisement

The Disrupted Season (2019-20) completes the story of Eddie Howe's reign at AFC Bournemouth 

- it's available now for £11.49 as a paperback - visit Amazon to order

Bournemouth brought back Lewis Cook and Diego Rico to the starting line-up, while Rodrigues Riquelme got his first start. Dan Gosling, Philip Billing and Lloyd Kelly dropped to the bench, but Arnaut Danjuma was still missing from the squad.

Match Description
Bournemouth found it hard to get going, giving away a few fouls early on until Junior Stanislas found Jefferson Lerma who shot high and wide. Preston had more of the possession in the first 10 minutes, but Begovic had nothing to do.

Alane Browne barged into Adam Smith but the referee wasn't interested in a penalty shout. Preston North End took the lead on 16 minutes. Bournemouth messed up a free kick and Preston counter-attacked. Tom Barkhuizen then put the visitors 0-1 ahead by putting away Daniel Johnson's cross. It was Barkhuizen's fifth goal of the season. 

Advertisement

Ebook version of The Disrupted season £9.99

David Brooks cut inside well but saw his shot saved by Rudd. Preston were pressing home their advantage with Maguire shooting from distance and forcing Begovic to tip over for a corner.

Lerma did well on an overlap and Riquelme fired over. Mepham almost converted at the far post from Riquelme's initial cross but put it wide. 

Adam Smith put a good ball through to Brooks but his shot was saved. Preston the took a free kick and Barkhuizen missed with a header. Solanke tried to get to a header but couldn't get it on target. Browne then put a header wide from Ryan Ledson's free kick.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

In the second half, Bournemouth replaced Riquelme with Sam Surridge. Bournemouth pressed and Solanke made a knockdown, but Preston broke away and Sinclair chipped Begovic from 35-40 yards out to make it 0-2 on 48 minutes.

Lewis Cook crossed well and Stanislas had a header saved. Further attempts saw Adam Smith miss a header and Junior Stanislas drags a shot wide. Nothing was coming off for the Cherries and Lewis Cook was booked.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -£7.99!

The game was pretty much decided when Preston scored again following a set-piece. Johnson passed to Bauer who scored on 68 minutes.

Bournemouth struck back almost immediately through Junior Stanislas who converted a free kick to make it 1-3 on 71 minutes. Bournemouth subbed Stanislas, Lewis Cook and Rico to bring on Jaidon Anthony, Philip Billing and Lloyd Kelly.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream -now just 9.99!

Ben Davies and Jefferson Lerma were booked. Begovic then made a save from Johnson.

Jaidon Anthony crossed and Sam Surridge made it 2-3 with a strong header. It was going to be a tense last four or five minutes.

Lerma put a ball in for Anthony, but the shot goes over. Ben Pearson is booked and Bauer has been subbed for Huntingdon. Bayliss also replaces Johnson. Ledson has been booked.

Lerma shoots over.

Advertisement

The Disrupted Season (2019-20) completes the story of Eddie Howe's reign at AFC Bournemouth 

- it's available now for £11.49 as a paperback - visit Amazon to order

Summary
Bournemouth slipped up to Preston's strategy to hit Bournemouth on the break. They didn't make the most of the possession they had and were ruthlessly punished by an away side that has done this to other top teams. Bournemouth were 0-3 down before they found a way through. While Junior Stanislas added to his goal tally and Riquelme and Surridge got a half each, the absence of Danjuma is certainly being felt. Sam Surridge will also be pleased to have got off the mark, which might tell Tindall that he does deserve more games than he has been getting.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

AFCB Line-up

AFCB Subs: Travers, Simpson, Kelly, Billing, 

Gosling, Ofoborh, Kilkenny, Anthony, Surridge

Preston: 1 Rudd, 4 Pearson, 5 Bauer (Huntingdon 90+3), 6 Davies, 8 Browne, 11 Johnson (Baylis 90+5), 15 Rafferty, 18 Ledson, 14 Maguire (Potts 90), 29 Barkhuizen (Riis 90), 31 Sinclair 

Preston Subs: 25 Ripley, 23 Huntingdon, 14 Storey, 7 Bayliss, 10 Harrop, 44 Potts, 27 Holland-Wilkinson, 19 Riis, 20 Stockley

Preston North End have players back for Bournemouth game

Bournemouth take on Preston North End tonight knowing that a win could take them top of the table. Preston North End sit just one place above Rotherham United in 18th, and while they have lost their last two games, they have been scoring lots of goals with 17 so far for the season from their 14 games.

AFCB return home to take on Preston North End.

The problem for Preston North End has been in keeping goals out having conceded 21 already. This game will be another good judge of how Bournemouth are doing, compared to Watford who beat Preston 4-1 at Vicarage Road in their last game. Preston also lost 2-1 to Rotherham in early November, so we can perhaps expect it to be a tight game.

Advertisement

The Disrupted Season (2019-20) completes the story of Eddie Howe's reign at AFC Bournemouth 
- it's available now for £11.49 as a paperback - visit Amazon to order

Scott Sinclair and Tom Barkhuizen are Preston's top scorers on five and four goals, respectively. Preston will be without defender Darnell Fisher who was given a three-match ban after violent conduct in the club's match against Sheffield Wednesday. Alex Neil said he was without 10 players from his 25-man squad in the last game. Alan Browne and Joe Rafferty will be available to Preston though as they have completed their suspensions. Ben Pearson and Ben Davies are likely to be starters in defence having been subbed in the second half against Watford just to keep them fresh for the Bournemouth game.

Advertisement

Ebook version of The Disrupted season £9.99

Alex Neil has commented that he believes Bournemouth along with Norwich City and Watford are the three strongest teams in the division. He has no fit full-backs and used five at the back against Watford. But up to 60 minutes against Watford, Preston were very competitive when they were only 2-1 down. Preston gifted Watford goals though and that should mean they find it equally as difficult to defend against Bournemouth. We should keep in mind though that the last game they won away was a 0-3 demolition of Reading in early November and they also beat Brentford 2-4 away in October.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

There could be a chance for Jayden Stockley, ex-Bournemouth striker, to feature for Preston North End tonight. He has scored once this season. Jayden was on the bench against Watford and has made two starts this season and came on in the 79th minute against Watford. Jayden has also played for Aberdeen and Exeter City before he joined Preston North End in January 2019.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream -now just 9.99!

Bournemouth may well see the return of Arnaut Danjuma and Lewis Cook having missed out at the weekend. Jason Tindall will want to refind some of the goalscoring precision that the team showed against Nottingham Forest and Reading to get the win over Preston North End.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -£7.99!

Preston Away Form
WWWLL

AFCB Home Form
DWDWW

In other news, AFCB drew Oldham Athletic away in the third round of the FA Cup.

Chimes Newsletter - out today!
Cherry Chimes' December Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month. The newsletter has a special story - A festive period of free to watch games?

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

Fixture excitement at the challenge ahead for AFCB

I was waiting with anticipation, not about the fixture release, when it came through, but for the reaction form Bournemouth fans. The mood was quite chirpy as for many they could see Bournemouth striding through some of the games, and for once we might even see some clean sheets. But the Championship is a long race and the first three fixtures look pretty tough to me.

A full fixture list ahead with or without supporters.

Playing Blackburn Rovers at home for the first game is a good way to judge what shape Bournemouth are in, with Blackburn Rovers finishing in a mid-way 11th position last season. A home game always gives your club a chance to make a good start and, with Middlesbrough away and Norwich City at home to follow, Bournemouth would put themselves in a very strong position, if they can beat that kind of quality in their first three games.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -£7.99!

Easier said than done though. Watford and Derby will be big matches in October and November looks a particularly good month with some grudge matches against Reading and Nottingham Forest and a tough visit to Sheffield Wednesday. Whether fans are getting to games by this point we just don't know, but the December games are certainly ones that fans will want to enjoy with so many games. I am expecting Swansea away to be a hard match along with Preston at home, as both sides did well last season. Boxing Day should be fun with Millwall in attendance and Brentford, just before New Year, will be a great time to see their new stadium.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream -now just 9.99!

I am not sure how many will want to brave Stoke in January, but the crazy ones will take on the weather and I think January could be a crunch month with the quality of fixtures. Watford and Cardiff will be big matches to try and win at home in February and there are long journey's up north to Preston and Huddersfield in March. April looks like it could be a strong month for the Cherries as a the run-in goes and a finish at home to Stoke City could be a great way to go up. Let's think positively.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

Here are some of your views:

#afcb. We havent got enough players for all those fixtures ...... 😲

— Paul James (@paul18280) August 21, 2020

Yes, eight games in December! 🍒🍒🍒 #afcb

— Steve Jacobs (@jacobsinskidby) August 21, 2020

It's really weird seeing the AFCB fixtures list and seeing different teams😫 #afcb

— Elena♣ (@Elenaa_xox) August 21, 2020

Tummy tingling. REAL football is back! #afcb

— Sean (@_Salvatori_) August 21, 2020

Quietly confident #afcb

— Berren (@Berren_luc) August 21, 2020

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Are too many changes dangerous for AFCB?

Are Cherries about to sign Irish striker?

Preston North End have reported that a Premier League club has come in for their striker Callum Robinson. The Republic of Ireland striker has been given leave to talk to the club that is interested in him having left the Irish training camp.

Will Dean Court see another Irishman join AFCB this summer?

Whether Bournemouth are the club in question is by no means certain, as Aston Villa are also said to be keen on the player, according to the Lancashire Live. But at 24 Robinson would fit the sort of profile that AFCB have been linked with in recent seasons. He has played for England U16,17,19 and 20s and Robinson scored 12 goals for Preston North End in the Championship last season, in only 27 appearances.

It would appear that there is room at the Cherries for another striker to be added to the team, especially as Jermain Defoe is still on loan at Rangers. While Sam Surridge has shown that he is perhaps close to contributing for the first team on a more regular basis, Surridge could be one player who might still benefit from a loan in the Championship first.

I don't see Lys Mousset moving on unless a club comes in with a good valuation for him this summer as AFCB have spent a lot of time with him trying to get him closer to being a more regular Premier League player.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

The decisions Eddie Howe and the recruitment team are making now are probably the biggest calls the club has made in the last five years. It is more difficult now and the competition for players is seeing AFCB go head to head with the newly promoted teams of Aston Villa and Sheffield United, as well as Wolves, for Kalvin Philips of Leeds as well. The challenge now is that other clubs have seen how AFCB operate and what they have done to stay in the Premier League, and they see similar options could work for them.

In other news, Josh King is changing his squad number to number 7 which was Marc Pugh's number.

Lewis Grabban has four months to deliver

Lewis Grabban played for 90 minutes for AFCB in the cup against Millwall without causing too many moments when fans were getting off their seats. He has been said to be training very well and doing all the right things so I'm hoping Lewis is back on track again.

Lewis Grabban has emerged again, but can he deliver?

There was one shot in the game against Millwall when Lewis did remind fans of what he can do with a shot that scraped just over the bar in the second half. We did not see enough of that kind of ferocity and endeavour from Lewis though, and it's apparent that he is not yet as sharp he might be. If he can start to find some fitness though, it will not be a surprise if we see him on the subs bench in the next few games. With Max Gradel on international duties there is some room on the bench for another attacker and Lewis' battle will be against players like Pugh, Fraser and Ibe as well as Callum Wilson, Lys Mousset and Benik Afobe. It's probably true that Grabban has fallen to the back of the pecking order, but the important thing for Grabban is that Eddie Howe still has faith in him.

Advertisement

Broomhill Garden Conservatories

While fans will have mixed views about Lewis, I just want him to show us again that he has not given up and wants to do well at AFCB. If he still has that drive, let's see it on the pitch. Lewis has not shone in the Premier League and he has a big question mark over whether he is a Premier League striker or a good Championship striker. It would be an easy choice for him to go out on loan and drop down a level and he may even do that, but if he is keener on being in the Premier League with Bournemouth he can't have much time to impress Eddie Howe. The next few months will be huge for him and every five minute of 10 minutes that he is on the pitch will be just as important as if he is given a 45 minute chance.

Lewis in action at Millwall.

Come the summer the squad will be changed and Lewis Grabban's place in that squad is going to look fragile on his current record. it's time for Lewis to deliver.  

There are reports today that Lewis Grabban could be being lined up with a loan to Preston North End.

Not right on the night

Even Eddie Howe seems lost for words about the way the players are making mistakes that are resulting in defeats at present. He has some tough days to get his thinking cap on and try to install some confidence back in the side. At least the games are coming fast. But the defeat at Man City was a pivotal moment for the side that had previously been finding its feet with the win against WBA. Now with the Preston defeat there has to be some soul searching among the players, because they've not been good enough.

Deep in thought - things need to turnaround soon for Eddie.

"First of all I must apologise to every supporter who came to watch that tonight," said Eddie Howe after the Preston defeat. Yes, an apology was probably merited to those fans who were lucky enough to get into the ground - something more may be needed for those that queued for an hour or more to get in. But apologies are not what we want to hear. It is questionable whether the idea of blooding those who don't get a regular game in the cup competitions is really what the fans want to see. If the Premier League side is not winning games it might have been more profitable to play four or five of them against Preston North End to build their momentum and guide the side through the tie. If players can't recover in four days when there is no travelling involved then perhaps the players need to manage their energy better.

Of course the side could pick up injuries by over-playing some individuals, but most of AFCB's players have come through the Championship and are as tough as nails. Three games in seven days should not be a big deal when subs can be made in the second half of games. Still, the players that play need to have the right attitude and it comes across that Eddie Howe felt that many of the players let him and themselves down and did not work hard enough on the night against Preston.  

There are lots of negatives hanging around at the moment and it is good to hear that Eddie Howe sounds angry about what has been served up of late. I've not heard him be that critical of his players and because he does not sound off very often it should resonate with the players.

The Football Blog Awards are asking for votes up to 26th September 2016 - Cherry Chimes is asking followers of the blog to vote for it in the Best Football Club Blog category. 

Makienok hat-trick takes Preston through against Cherries - 2-3

Match Description

20 September 2016

AFCB 2 v 3 Peston NE  (AET)

Attendance 7595 (including 267 Preston fans)

Dumped out of the English League Cup in the third round, AFCB have much work to do if they are to pick themselves up after another defeat - this time against a Championship side. The Cherries did not get off to a good start. AFCB tried a new formation with three at the back and it did not immediately pay dividends. There were just 10 minutes gone when, Danish striker, Simon Makienok took a left-footed shot from inside the box to put Preston one up. The first half saw good opportunities for Tyrone Mings, Marc Wilson, Brad Smith and Max Gradel to get back level, while Ben Pearson came close to extending the lead. Trailing at half time, AFCB brought on Lys Mousset and switched to four at the back (Ake, Smith, Mings and Fraser as a right back). It worked, with Fraser winning a penalty and Grabban cooly converting by sending the keeper the wrong way. AFCB then got in front when Grabban made a great run to the byline and pulled the ball back for, captain for the night, Gosling to finish. But Preston weren't done and Sam Makienok netted again with just six minutes of the 90 to go. Added time saw chances for the Cherries, but Makienok completed his hat-trick on 111 minutes and AFCB were out. 

Eddie Howe mixed a few players that had missed out on matches of late with a few of the U21 squad on the bench to take on Preston North End. Tyrone Mings made a welcome start and Dan Gosling captained the side. There was no Marc Pugh in the squad though.

AFCB: Federici, Mings (Jordan 105), Ake, M Wilson (Mousett 45), B. Smith, Gosling (c), L Cook, Fraser (Hyndman 89), Gradel, Afobe, Grabban
Cherries' Subs: Allsop, Hyndman, Mousset, Jordan, Harfield, Buckley, O'Connell

Preston: Maxwell, Humphrey (Robinson 102), Wright, Huntington, Davies, Cunningham (Clarke 67), Pearson, Welsh, Pringle, Johnson (Doyle 76), Makienok.

Preston Subs: Clarke, Browne, Doyle, Hugill, Smith, Hudson, Robinson

If you bet on AFCB last night - you probably lost your shirt.

Official AFCB Match Tweets
01: We're off! #afcb

04: Good start for #afcb in a new formation - three at the back (Mings, Ake, Wilson) with B.Smith and Fraser playing as wing backs.

10: Goal for the visitors. Swift move down the right ends with Makienok rifling in at the back post. 0-1

15: Wilson booked for a foul on Johnson - free kick to the visitors inside their own half.

29: @RyanFraser94 latches onto a loose ball and bursts down the right flank, but is fouled by Ben Davies. Free kick for #afcb.

31: So close! Afobe & @bradsmith_94 play a smart one-two on the edge of the area, and Smith's shot falls just wide of the post. #afcb
0 retweets1 like

35: @grabbs22 tries to twist away from a defending leg but is caught and fouled. Free kick for #afcb 25 yards out.

36: @maxigr04del takes the set piece, but his strike at goal is deflected through and into the hands of Maxwell in the #pnefc goal.

45: Pearson has space and strikes from range for the visitors, but @NathanAke deflects his effort wide for a corner. #afcb

45: Two minutes to be added on here. #afcb

HALF TIME: Simon Makienok's first-half strikes gives #pnefc the lead at the break.

The players are back out here at Vitality Stadium. One change for #afcb, Mousset on for Marc Wilson.

46: And we're off for the second half! Up the Cherries

46: Early chance for the visitors. Makienok again in space at the back post, but he drags his shot wide.

49: Just wide! Fraser whips in a free kick deep from the left, but Ake's header falls just wide of the far post.

50: @RyanFraser94 fouled and @maxigr04del has a free kick on the edge of the area! #afcb

51: Penalty! @maxigr04del 's free kick hits a hand in the wall. @grabbs22 to take... #afcb

52: @grabbs22 steps up and calmly sends Maxwell the wrong way. 1-1. #afcb

55: @maxigr04del turns his man and drives at goal once more. He is brought down and #afcb have a free kick to the left of the penalty area.

55: @maxigr04del takes it and curls one towards the top corner, but it is just wide and smashes into the side netting. #afcb

66: @maxigr04del twists and turns his way into the penalty area and is brought down...but the referee waves away the #afcb claims.

66: Substitution for #pnefc. Greg Cunningham replaced by Tom Clarke.

68: @bradsmith_94 tries his luck from the edge of the area...it's deflected & almost drops in under the bar, but Maxwell tips it over. #afcb

71: @RyanFraser94 does brilliantly well to get down the right flank and cross, but @maxigr04del's back-post header falls just wide. #afcb

GOALLL for #afcb!

73: @grabbs22 does superbly to get to the byline & cut the ball back to the onrushing Gosling who pokes home from close range. 2-1. #afcb

84: Goal for #pnefc . 2-2. #afcb

84: A cross from the right is headed into the ground by Makienok and past Federici. 2-2. #afcb

89: Substitution for #afcb. @RyanFraser94, who has just been receiving treatment, is replaced by @emersonhyndman.

90: Four minutes to be added on here.

FULL TIME: #afcb 2-2 #pnefc. We will have extra time in the #EFLCup at Vitality Stadium.

Extra Time
91: We are back underway here...96: @maxigr04del gets forward, cuts inside and strikes a goal... but it is pushed behind for a corner. #afcb

98: @maxigr04del crosses from the left and Afobe's header deflects behind off a #pnefc body. Corner for #afcb .

98: @maxigr04del crosses from the left and Afobe's header deflects behind off a #pnefc body. Corner for #afcb.

101: Mousset breaks down the right and fires an absolute rocket at goal, but Maxwell reacts quickly enough to block

HALF TIME: Still 2-2 at the break of extra time here. #EFLCup #afcb

So, back 4 now - LB Smith, CB Mings, CB Ake, RB L Cook.

106: And we're underway for the second half of extra time. One change for #afcb - Jordan replaces @OfficialTM_3.

111: Goal for #pnefc . Makienok completes his hat-trick. 2-3. #afcb

111: The ball drops in the #afcb penalty area and Makienok is first to react as he dinks it over Federici.

117: Mousset spins into space and strikes from a tight angle, but it's held well by Maxwell.

FULL TIME: Simon Makienok's hat-trick for the visitors knocks #afcb out of the #EFLCup after extra time.

The Football Blog Awards are asking for votes up to 26th September 2016 - Cherry Chimes is asking followers of the blog to vote for it in the Best Football Club Blog category. 

Should AFCB's Cup runs look to beyond quarter finals?

There has been quite a line of seasons when AFCB have flirted with the quarter finals of cup competitions in the last few years. It is clear that the club has a squad of players that could challenge in the latter parts of competitions now and while that has been evident with the progress the team has made to get into the Premier League, it is a balancing act to get the side into the last few rounds of the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

There has been a bit of disappointment whenever AFCB do progress to the keenly contested rounds like last season when Liverpool knocked the Cherries out in the Fourth round of the EFL Cup and the Cherries fielded a weaker side than they might at home against Everton in the FA Cup Fifth Round. So it might be tempting to see some more first team players gently introduced to these games as the side comes up against stronger sides, but with the Premier League being such a priority the glory days of getting to Wembley have taken a hit for most fans. While most of us would probably love a day out at Wembley, it will also be important to not over stretch the squad and be ready for the famed 'six pointer' games that will soon rear up in the league.

Evening Cup game sunder the lights at Dean Court - guaranteed excitement!

It is a difficult balance for Howe to get right. He has players that have not played who want their chance to impress and a few players that need to play themselves into form. While these reasons should see a fairly rotational line up for the Preston match tonight, there has to be a time in these competitions when AFCB actually have a go at trying to get to a semi-final or final and I'd argue that has not been a real possibility in the past. Now AFCB have the players, but do they want to take the risk of getting closer to a trophy with the pressure already mounting in the league? I think it depends where AFCB are in the Premier League when the latter rounds of the cup competitions arrive and if, of course, teams like Preston have not already knocked the Cherries out. Mid-table is not exactly a safe place to go on a cup run - ask Crystal Palace fans. But AFCB are scraping just to keep out of the bottom three - so is it fair on the players to even talk of cup runs?

At this stage, I'd argue that they should just enjoy the games for what they are. Another chance to play some good football in a competitive match. Try and build the wins and start feeling good about themselves. It should not be a seen as a burden or an insurmountable object but more of an exercise to put on the field what they have been learning in training and getting more of a feel for evening games at Dean Court. If the players can soak up the atmosphere and relish being talked about a favourites for a change, then it may just fire them up into performing, which is what everyone wants. Enjoy teh game tonight - UTCIAD! 

The Cherries must take their hurt out on Preston

Coming into the English Football League Cup game with Preston having just had one league win, there is much need for the Cherries to reassert their belief that they can control games and start scoring some goals. The third round of a cup competition is not always a routine game though and Preston have already knocked out Oldham and Hartlepool who would both be considered as hard games for AFCB only a few years ago. Last season, Preston proved to be tough opponents, taking the Cherries to a penalty shootout at Deepdale at this stage. 

AFCB should have too much for the Championship side and the Cherries home form is something that is not a massive concern, having seen the side get a win against WBA. Yet, the side will be changed from what we saw on Saturday and there needs to be a reaction.

The pressure will be on Eddie to get his team selection right.

For Preston too it has been a nervy start to 2016/17 and in their last match they were thumped 5-0 by Brentford which is hardly good preparations for going away to a Premier League side. Their best result in the Championship so far is certainly a 0-2 away win at QPR, but whether their influential Aiden McGeady can rally the 'Invincibles' is perhaps a big ask for them considering that they are shipping goals at an alarming rate, just like the Cherries.

Simon Grayson's summer signings include: Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady on loan from Everton. Alex Baptiste in central defence from Middlesbrough, and striker Marnick Vermijl from Sheffield Wednesday. Other signings include the Danish striker, Simon Makienok from Charlton, keeper Chris Maxwell from Fleetwood and Tommy Spurr, a defender from Blackburn Rovers.

The forwards that have been most in form for Preston before the Brentford defeat were Jordan Hugill, Callum Robinson and Eoin Doyle - and all three played against the Bees so we can perhaps expect a change up front. Jermaine Beckford is still at Preston North End and could be involved.

Eddie and Jason have to choose a side that will progress and the choice of who to pick is wide now, but  many of the players who were involved in the last round of the EFL Cup will be charged with the responsibility to clear the hurt of the City result and challenge for  a place in the squad on Saturday.

AFCB possible line up
Federici, Aké, M Wilson, Mings, B Smith, Faser, Gosling, L Cook, Pugh, Grabban, Afobe

Subs
Holmes, Buckly, Lee, Hyndman, Mousset, Gradel, Ndjoli

It had to be them - Liverpool!

I'm not one of those fans who would ever tire of seeing AFCB playing a team like Liverpool. Yes, we know they have been a bit of a sticking point for the Cherries in the League Cup and FA Cup over the last couple of seasons but there have been too many years when AFCB simply have not been on the big stage and have gone out to teams like Preston and Hartlepool before even getting to round four of the Capital One Cup.

Yes, it's Anfield again.

You do wonder though how the balls keep on pairing Liverpool with AFCB. I expect Eddie Howe had a smile and though oh great not a again, but if there is a day when the Cherries beat a side like Liverpool in a cup it is probably going to be the year when the club has a real opportunity of lifting silverware. There is much less of a gap between the two sides now on the pitch as we saw only a few weeks ago and perhaps a different story will play out this time.

Listening to Carlisle and Liverpool take penalties last night to see who would go through to the fourth round was kind of weired as the draw was already known and an away trip to one of them was already booked for AFCB. I guess at least Liverpool is not quite so far and for those who missed the Monday night league fixture it is another chance to go to one of the most historic grounds in the country.

This time Brendan Rodgers maybe under even more pressure than the last few occasions when the teams have met. Liverpool fans must want the game to come quickly as AFCB always seem to kick start their season.  Yet, it is good to see that Danny Ings has made a good start at the club and that Sean O'Driscoll can meet up with his AFCB colleagues again. So the date of Tuesday 27 October will be in AFCB fan's diaries and perhaps this time it will be the time to get past the Merseysiders. Oh, and you can expect a date change if the TV companies are still not tired of another Liverpool v AFCB fixture.

All Departments reviews the AFCB win against Preston North End in the Capital One Cup. Visit All Departments' website to listen in.

Cherries win through at Deepdale on penalties

Match Description

Preston North End 2 (AET 2) v 2 (AET 3) AFC Bournemouth

Capital One Cup Third Round

Attendance: 5643 (including 263 Cherries)

AFCB were ahead twice in normal time and again in extra time but were pegged back on both occasions by a determined Preston side that took the Cherries all the way to penalties. Adam Federici was the hero saving from Johnson to take the Cherries through to the fourth round 3-2 on penalties.

The 90 minutes and 30 minutes of extra time before that had been a keenly contested match with Preston giving AFCB a really difficult time coming back with just five minutes to go after a Shaun MacDonald opener and then again when Marc Pugh had put the Cherries 2-1 up in extra time. Hugill and then Johnson scored for Preston. Marc Pugh had handled in the box following a free kick to Preston which gave the Lilywhites there chance to take the game to penalties. Luckily the Cherries survived this scare with Federici pulling off three saves in the shootout, but there will be some tired bodies headed back to the south coast after this one.

AFC Bournemouth named a fairly strong side with only Butcher, Buckley and Surridge from the U21s on the bench and the main 11 was packed with first team regulars Francis, Cook, O'Kane and King. there were nine changes in all from the weekend's game though. I particularly had high hopes for Shaun Macdonald and Christian Atsu who had not seen much action since the start of the season. No Rantie on the bench was probably the biggest surprise, while Joe Bennett was cup tied as he scored the fifth goal in Aston Villa's 5-3 AET win against Notts County in the second round of the cup.

Preston's line up only had last time's goal scorer against Watford Vermijl on the bench but Keane would certainly have to be watched carefully up front.

Teams
AFCB: Federici, Francis, Cook, Cargill, Smith, MacDonald (Gosling 90), O'Kane, Atsu (Tomlin 81), King, Stanislas, Kermorgant (Pugh 81)

Cherries subs: Allsop, Butcher, Buckley, Gosling, Pugh, Tomlin, Surridge.


PNE starting Xl: Pickford, Woods, Clarke, Wright, Cunningham, Humphrey (Vermijl 78), Welsh (Reid 74), Browne, Johnson, Keane, May (Hugill 74)

PNE subs: Kirkland, Vermijl, Smith, Kilkenny, Reid, Brownhill and Hugill.

Macca puts the Cherries 0-1 up  (AFCB tweeted picture).

Match Description
The Cherries played in their home shirts with white shorts. There is about 300 AFCB fans at a guess. Stanislas is the first to shoot at goal but it goes wide.

Francis now blocks a shot. Johnson shoots over! Atsu slips. King has a shot from range that is blocked.

Quarter of an hour gone and no score yet. AFCB are just shading possession. O'Kane plays a ball through to King who shoots from a tight angle but right at the keeper.

Preston are now pressing in the last third, but nothing comes of it. AFCB now win a corner. king tries to connect and his volley is well saved for another corner. This time Stanislas' cross is cleared. Kermorgant gets clattered. Shaun MacDonald has scored on 23 minutes! Macca loops the ball over the back tracking Pickford 0-1.

King attacks now and is into the box. He's past one defender, but his pass does not reach Atsu. Cunningham puts in a cross and it's cleared with Francis who wins a free kick. Kermorgant finds King, square to Atsu. But he loses the ball.

Preston on the attack. The cross comes in and the volley is blocked.

Pickford with a goal kick. Kermorgant's there first. Atsu and Macca. King plays a one two. Preston break. Kermorgant wins the ball back. Stanislas pull back for Francis who shoots but it's blocked for a corner.

It's headed clear. One minute of extra time. It's 0-1 at half time.

Second Half
No changes at the break. Stanislas puts in a low cross but it's cleared. Francis has to head a cross clear. It's Preston coming forward. Humphrey loses control. Stanislas makes a last second tackle, corner to Preston. Clarke goes close heading onto the bar!

Keane does a one two with Johnson who shoots wide!  A big chance for Preston goes begging.
Preston have another corner headed by Wright. Francis clears. King gets a yellow card for a foul on Wright.

Another Preston chance sees the ball loop over the bar. Stanislas with a free kick shoots straight at Pickford. End to end stuff here.

O'Kane loses the ball. AFCB have it back. Atsu and Francis but Pickford collects. AFCB need this second goal. About 25 minutes to go. Cargill looking assured at the back mops up. Expect some subs soon.

Cargill takes the ball off of May. Cherries have a free kick some 40 yards out. Now the Cherries have a throw. Francis' cross is blocked. the game is slowing down.

Keeper comes out to claim in front of King. Smith to O'Kane. MacDonald loses the ball. Humphrey sends in a good cross but it goes out the other side of the box. Double sub for Preston. Stevie May and John Welsh replaced by  Reid on for Hugill on. Atsu shoots over.

King wins a free kick on the edge of the box. It's sent over.15 minutes to go. Humphrey is replaced by Vermijl.

Smith makes a good block. Cherries double sub, Pugh for Kermorgant and Atsu off for Tomlin. Pugh is straight into the action and has a shot that goes wide.

Cook makes a headed clearance. Preston score! Hugill makes it 1-1. What a time to concede! Five minutes to go. 

Smith now on the left. Too long for Pugh. Flag is up for offside. Francis puts in a cross. 

Four minutes of extra time. Macca is down and Gosling is warming up.Gosling is on.

Smith shoots over. Gosling has a free kick. Stanislas kicks it into the keeper's arms.

Reid now wins a corner for Preston. Surely not! Headed away - phew! Extra time.

Extra Time
Federici takes an early through ball. Tomlin loses the ball. Reid and Tomlin can break. Long ball to King is too strong. AFCB in possession. Francis, O'Kane and King, balls out of play. Free kick to AFCB and a yellow card to a Preston player.

Francis hits it and it's deflected. King on the right, Pugh! Goal to AFCB. 1-2 is the score now, AFCB regain the lead.

Pugh makes it 1-2. (AFCB tweeted picture)

Cargill takes a knock but continues. Gosling out to King. O'Kane and King loses the ball. AFCB have another free kick 25 yards out. Tomlin hits the wall. Tomlin wins a corner.

Gosling wins a free kick. O'Kane this time to take. Preston break. Three minutes added on. double save from Tomlin - great saves. Preston attack. Federici clears. Smith has cramp.

Second period of extra time
AFCB have the ball. just thinking how does Gosling do it after that 8.6 miles on Saturday! Tomlin is doing well in midfield. O'Kane down with cramp.

Johnson shoots over. Pugh misses a header but Cargill has the ball. Nine minutes left. AFCB keeping possession and Preston having to foul to get near the ball. O'Kane and Gosling to Francis.

Tomlin finds Pugh, into the box and his shot is deflected for a corner. King volley's wide.

Reid for Preston has a shot that goes over. Cook and Cargill are said to have had the best games according to the AFCB blog - I've hardly mentioned them, eek!

Preston free kick on half way. Ironic cheers. Four minutes left. Strikes Pugh's hand and it's a penalty! I don't believe it. It just bounced up on him. Johnson converts 2-2. Beats Federici to his right.

Two minutes are added on. Smith wins a corner, Cargill shoots but it's cleared.

Full time 2:2 penalties!

The captains are choosing the end and who shoots first
Pens!
Federici saves Keane's penalty to the right side.
Stanislas scores down the middle 1-0 to AFCB
Preston score 1-1
Cook scores 2-1 AFCB
Preston score 2-2
Gosling's penalty is saved
Browne takes a Preston penalty is saved still 2-2
Pugh scores 3-2 AFCB
Johnson for Preston, great save from Federici! That's it.

AFCB are through 3-2 on pens after AET.