Monday, 5 March 2018

Daniels can tell you when push comes to shove

Charlie Daniels is still probably sitting with his hand up asking for the penalty that he was deprived of and wondering why a referee can't give more than one penalty in a game to an AFCB side. Bournemouth had two penalties given against them at Crystal Palace earlier in the season for less than clear-cut decisions, but this was what pundits would call a stone-wall penalty, so what the heck was Lee Probert and his assistant referee doing?
Charlie Daniels deserved more the officials. Wilfred Ndidi made a clear
foul in the penalty box and Leicester got away with one.
It is not surprising that some fans are keen to get VAR in the game when such blatant fouls are left unseen. But such incidents shouldn't need VAR technology to help referees make the only decision they can make. There can be a shoulder barge, but you can't simply push a player over with the palms of your hands to win the ball. Rugby is played with a different shaped ball and they don't even allow it in that game if you strip a ball from your opponent. This was daylight robbery. You won't see a clearer penalty and if I was Eddie Howe I'd be asking why Lee Probert did not give the award of a second penalty in the game against Leicester.

What made me
laugh is when Willow On BBC Radio Solent was asked about a second half penalty, he could not remember the Daniels incident but talked about Callum Wilson perhaps deserving a penalty. Maybe Bournemouth should have had three spot kicks. Josh King would probably have rattled all three away with no problem, but why do we give referee's such power when they have clearly made an error of judgement. If we could have a red button for one objection in the game per team, I have a feeling Eddie Howe would have pressed his red button when Daniels hit the deck.
Instead we are left with a feeling of injustice. Yes, Leicester fans will complain about Vardy being trampled on by Steve Cook when he was racing towards goal. Lee Probert was consistently poor in his judgements - we can agree on that.  But the game becomes a farce when it becomes a lottery on decisions. It seems we are frustrated with VAR and just as angry when it's not in use. Perhaps the game just needs good officiating - can we try that?

Ask Fans match Report by Cherry Chimes - Leicester City 1 v 1 AFCB

Daly Mail Fans' Verdict Leicester City 1 v 1 AFCB
T-shirt winner
Well done to Matt Adams @SeaScalpel who correctly predicted the 1-1 scoreline.

Sunday, 4 March 2018

Match Report: Mahrez stuns Cherries in dying minute

Match Report
Leicester City 1 v 1 AFCB
3 March 2018
Attendance: 31,384
AFCB visited the King Power hoping to make ground on the top 10 in the table.
Bournemouth can go and win games with their flare at times and be unstoppable, but when the league table is this tight, sometimes decisions seem more difficult to make. Howe opted to send Andrew Surman on and protect his one-nil lead but Leicester just got stronger as the game went on and a precious three points was turned into one when Riyad Mahrez whipped in his last minute equaliser, from a free kick, to break Bournemouth hearts. A point is important, but it could have been so much more.                                        

AFCB made one change in the starting line up with Adam Smith winning his place in the team having scored last week and making such an impact. Jordan Ibe and Marc Pugh picked up injuries during the week, Ibe with a hamstring injury and Pugh with a calf problem. So on the bench was midfielder Kyle Taylor, 18-years old, along with Ryan Fraser, Lys Mousset and Jermain Defoe.

Leicester brought in Amartey at right back and Adrien Silva in midfield to their starting line up.
The Cherries were to keep their unbeaten record against Leicester in the Premier League.
Match Description
Bournemouth kick off in their red and black home kit. Josh King loses out to Maguire early on but Steve Cook puts in a crunching tackle on Vardy. AFCB are being held in their own half but a poor pass from James has AFCB going forward.

Bournemouth have started off in a 4-4-1-1 formation, according to BBC Radio Solent but it seems Daniels and Smith are pushing up at times. Gosling is already pressing high. Steve Cook makes an interception but Mahrez picks up the loose ball. Francis wins a header on half way but no AFCB player is near it. Leicester have a corner and Begovic punches clear.

Stanislas on the left finds Francis and King who wins a throw right in the bottom corner for AFCB on 8 minutes. Steve Cook's long throw is cleared.

Leicester keep trying to spring Vardy but have not found him in the clear yet. Stanislas plays an early ball in but its picked up by Amartey. Stanislas puts a weak shot in but while it's on target its easy for Schmeichel to gather.

Lewis Cook makes a big tackle. Adam Smith is fouled by James on half way. AFCB are getting some good possession now and a few moves are starting to come off for them.

Aké has to come across to stop Armartey. Adrien Silva finds himself between the midfield and AFCB's defence but shoots well over. That was a good move from Leicester.

Mahrez is clear but Begovic keeps his arms up and parries it away. Mahrez should have done better. Aké was not close enough. Best chance of the game so far. Leicester have a corner and Begovic has caught that. 

Wilson is fouled by Morgan and has a free kick just in the Foxes' half. Schmeichel insists on kicking long looking for Vardy. AFCB seem aware of the tactic that has happened a couple of times now.

Gosling and King just misplace their passes around the box. Armartey is down and needs attention. His left hamstring could have gone here. The applause is taking place for the five who died in Leicester last week in the fire.

Armartey is coming off and on comes Ben Chilwell on 20 minutes. Albrighton has come over to the right as a full back and Chilwell has gone to the left side.

Lewis cook is challenged by Ndidi but has a throw. Daniels misplaces his pass. Adam Smith loses the ball but Mahrez can't capitalise.

King robs Ndidi and I don't know if Josh was looking for Wilson or looking to shoot, but he did neither well and mis-kicked it well wide! King should have made Schmeichel make a save there on 23 minutes.

Daniels pulls it back for Stanislas and he's just put it over the top left corner! Stanislas was wasteful there. AFCB again and Stanislas puts it right on King's toes in the penalty box but the shot is tame and right at Schmeichel! Bournemouth are opening up Leicester at will but the chances aren't being taken. The ball into King was to be fair a bit behind him. Wilson is not coming off well in his battle with Wes Morgan.

Gosling fouls Adrien Silva on half way. Maguire runs past Gosling but has his shot blocked by Aké on the edge of the box. Albrighton into Vardy, but it's off Steve Cook for a throw.

King breaks and Simon Francis makes a hash of a pass to Lewis Cook! Vardy is lucky to get away with a challenge on Steve Cook and Francis gives a free kick away for handling the ball. Francis had thought a foul had been called on Vardy. A header from Maguire is saved by Begovic - he looked offside anyway.

Smith and Wilson on the break Stanislas and King is brought down by Albrighton. It's a penalty to Bournemouth on 34 minutes. Josh King steps up. Schmeichel is protesting. King is having to wait. King sends Schmiechel the wrong way and scores bottom right, on 35 minutes.

AFCB have to defend. Daniels makes a mistake. Francis tidies up with a high clearance. Vardy finds Mahrez and Begovic has to get down low to his left, great save! Begovic looks on form today.

Adam Smith is caught by Chilwell high up on his body. Nothing given. AFCB have to defend a long throw. Stanislas and Lewis cook to Wilson, intercepted. Leicester come forward.

Ndidi and Maguire. Leicester knocking it about. Mahrez crosses but Albrighton's pass is cut out by Daniels. Maguire plays it in and its headed clear. Stanislas loses out. Steve Cook wins his header.

Lewis Cook is fouled by Ndidi and AFCB get a breather. AFCB are starting to reassert themselves now, finishing the half well. Francis is caught by Francis and the captain is holding his left foot. Francis is okay.

Albrighon does a risky pass back to Schmeichel and Wilson was almost in and the ball bounced back off Wilson luckily for Leicester. Wilson now picks up a foul with Fuchs running into the back of him. This should ensure AFCB go into the break with a lead. Three minutes of added time. Steve Cook's header is wide and the flag is up.

Gosling gets in a solid tackle. Wilson battles for the ball but Morgan shrugs him off. Half time 0-1 to AFCB. A good half by Bournemouth and it could have been a bigger lead.

AFCB 44 per cent possession, 6 shots, 3 shots on target, no corners, 3 fouls
Leicester 56 per cent possession, 7 shots, 3 shots on target, 2 corners, 6 fouls
Second half
Leicester kick off. Lewis Cook gets the ball and sends Wilson on his way. Francis runs into trouble. Daniels comes forward but the one-two goes wrong with Stanislas.

Gosling is down and Daniels puts the ball out. Ndidi had caught Gosling high on the knee. Stanislas sends Wilson on the left. King is robbed by Maguire. Bournemouth have a free kick though as Adam Smith is down and Adrien Silva gets a yellow card.

Wilson is setting himself more against Maguire this half. Morgan is such a beast, I don't blame him. Vardy on the wing puts a cross in and Steve Cook clears for a corner. Leicester's third of the game and Begovic catches his second ball from a corner.

Lewis Cook feeds King on the left. Daniels and Stanislas, Daniels and he is shoved off the ball by Ndidi - how is that no penalty? Awful refereeing. Feel cheated! A clear foul in the box.

Bournemouth have a throw, deep in Leicester's half. Stanislas sets himself but his shot is miles over. Where are Stanislas' shooting boots. Time for Ryan Fraser me thinks.

Francis can't out run Chilwell but he had a good go. Ndidi fools Gosling. King tackles back. Fuchs now and Aké heads clear. Are Leicester running out of ideas?

Mahrez and Chilwell. Bournemouth break with Lewis Cook and now Adam Smith but he has run the ball out. Leicester sub Adrien Silva and on comes Iheanacho on 59 minutes.

Vardy ball comes back to Chilwell off Steve Cook's clearance, but the shot hits Steve Cook and goes over for a corner! Good chance that. Vardy heads it but it's wide of the far post.

Vardy chases a long ball and Aké and Steve Cook win headers. AFCB are going to need another goal here you feel. Leicester are starting to build some momentum. A long throw from Fuchs and Begovic catches it.

Lewis Cook and King but Marhez is away and Steve Cook does enough to stop Vardy. Leicester fans did not like that - looked a foul to me. Mahrez gets a free kick off of Gosling who gets a yellow card.

Mahrez puts in a cross and Morgan heads over from six yards! It was behind the big man and he couldn't get over it, 65 minutes gone.

Vardy runs wide and Aké blocks for a corner. Begovic catches again - he's having a great game. Wilson has to battle for the ball, Probert is giving him nothing.

Daniels and Stanislas wins a throw. Steve Cook clears from Vardy and Chilwell thumps the ball against Gosling who is down. It's a corner but Bournemouth clear and a shot from Fuchs is charged down. The ball runs to Vardy and he shoots high and wide. Twenty minutes to go.

Gosling over the top and King was chasing. Aké wins a free kick. Steve Cook puts n a stooping header and Adam Smith fouls Chilwell, diving in. A bit too forceful. Francis touches it, Morgan headed back across goal but he could not direct it in.

Corner to Leicester. Off the line from Maguire twice! Wilson first and then Iheanacho. Bournemouth need to make a change this is getting dangerous for their lead.
King and Stanislas tried to volley but Albrighton blocks.

Good tackle by Lewis Cook on Chilwell. Maguire hols off King but it's a free kick to AFCB. King holds his head. An arm in the face for sure by Maguire.

The ball is cleared at the near post. Stanislas looks tired to me. Here he comes again. Daniels and Stanislas belts it against a Leicester player. Andrew Surman is coming on for Callum Wilson on 77 minutes. Bournemouth are looking to block things out.

Daniels wins Bournemouth's first corner of the game on 78 minutes. Leicester break from it. Francis covers well.

Lewis Cook throws a bit of snow at Ndidi, they tap hands. Mahrez and Albrigton crosses but Akee blocks. Mahrez crosses and it's another corner for Leicester, eight of them they've had.

The last 10 minutes. Begovic wasn't getting there and falls but it's a goal kick. He'll take his time over this. Stanislas and King, now Surman and Francis. Adam Smith into King and Leicester smuggle it away for a throw.

Just seven minutes of normal time left. Mahrez and Gosling fight it out before Daniels gives a corner away. Begovic came for it but didn't make it. Another corner. Begovic drops it but Maguire handles the ball and Bournemouth have a free kick.

King and Stanislas turns and shoots well over. Just not his day today in front of goal. Diabaté and Chilwell, Maguie, Mahrez comes through and his shot is deflected by Gosling, corner! Begovic catches this one. AFCB make it so hard for themselves.

Maguire and Diabate wins another corner! Steve Cook heads it. The ball is back in by Mahrez and Vardy is there for it but it's bundled out for anther corner. Gosling bashes this one up to half way. 

Lys Mousset is coming on for Josh King on 90 minutes. There are four additional minutes. Stanislas runs into trouble. Steve Cook heads out. Maguire's shot is blocked and Leicester are offside.

Adam Smith makes a clearance. Gosling is wrestled off the ball. Steve Cook fouls Iheanacho. Thirty yards out. Mahrez to take. Three in the wall. Daniels, Surman and Francis. 

Mahrez and it's gone round the wall and it's gone in 1-1. A cruel blow! AFCB have not done enough. That's it, gutting 1-1.

Summary
One free kick too many and Bournemouth show their inability not to get a clean sheet again. Yes, AFCB were valiant and defended like lions, but what a disappointment. The Cherries played well enough to win the game and if Lee Probert had seen the clear penalty on Charlie Daniels Bournemouth would have held out. Sadly, the officials don't always get it right. The amount of pressure Bournemouth were under was massive in the last 20 minutes but Eddie Howe decided to get defensive rather than attacking. I would have liked to see Fraser come on and stretch his legs, but AFCB just invited more pressure on and we know how that often ends. Leicester did everything to get a point and those missed chances in the first half are really what cost Bournemouth the win. It looks like an unfit bench limited Howe's options.


Bournemouth didn't quite have enough to hold on for the win.
AFCB player Ratings
Begovic 7, Francis 7, S Cook 7, Aké 9, Daniels 7, A Smith 7, L Cook 8, Gosling 8, Stanislas 5, King 7, Wilson 6

Cherry Chimes' MOM Nathan Aké

T-shirt winner
Well done to Matt Adams @SeaScalpel who correctly predicted the 1-1 scoreline.

Leicester City
Schmeichel, Amartey (Chilwell 20), Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs (Diabaté 79), James, Ndidi, Mahrez, Adrien Silva (Iheanacho 59), Albrighton, Vardy


Leicester City Subs
Dragovic, Hamer, Chilwell, Gray. Iheanacho, Iborra, Diabaté

Referee Watch Lee Probert - 1/10: One penalty wasn't enough and Lee Probert will look back at his performance and wonder how he got the Ndidi foul on Daniels so wrong. The Steve Cook Challenge on Vardy was also missed. A few more yellow cards were probably required too - closed my eyes when Adam Smith lunged in for a late one - even if he did get the ball.

Saturday, 3 March 2018

Beat Leicester and Europa League is on for Cherries

The match against Leicester City this weekend is big not just because Bournemouth want to get points to secure their Premier League status, but picking three points off Leicester would start to open the door towards an outside chance of catching Burnley and trying to finish in the top seven. The games may be running out, but each match now is having massive implications on the final standings of the table.
The King Power stadium.
Leicester City have stumbled of late at home having had a couple of draws to lower placed teams in Crystal Palace and Stoke City. If they lose more momentum now they will have invited AFCB into the race for a Europa League place and that in itself heaps more pressure on Claude Puel and his team as they have perhaps most to lose in this game.


There has been a bit of a swing in focus for Leicester City which was overshadowed by the Mahrez transfer that never happened to Man City, but now that February's games have almost gone their fans are starting to look a bit more critically at what is happening on the pitch. A 5-1 hammering by Man City could happen to any team, but it could well have knocked Leicester's confidence and AFCB will be hoping to catch Leicester at the right time.  Under Puel, Leicester have started to play with more possession and in the midfield they have good passers like Iborra and Adrien Silva who could now start.


Both Kasper Schmeichel and Asmir Begovic have had a hard time of it of late, but they will probably be the players looking to play better than anyone on the field and while both teams have been conceding and scoring in equal measure in recent games a score draw seems a likely outcome, which could just leave the race for a European spot tantalisingly close, but just out of reach for the Cherries. I would expect most AFCB fans would be happy with survival and a decent top 10 finish, but if the opportunity comes for three points at Leicester, AFCB's priorities could ramp up and provide much more interest in the last few games for the run in.

If you are making the trip today I wish you a safe journey. Hopefully AFCB can repay the travelling fans who have had a difficult last couple of weeks. UTCIAD!

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Match Stats
Data powered by StrataBet Data
This week Cherry Chimes has been given the opportunity to use some excellent data gathered by StrataGem for this match.

• AFCB have created 291 chances this season (10.39 chances/game). On average, they have scored one goal for every 8.56 chances created.

• Leicester City have created 266 chances this season (9.50 chances/game). On average, they have scored one goal for every 6.49 chances created.


Possible Leicester City Line up 
provided by StratGem Data

• AFCB have conceded 346 chances this season (12.36 chances/game). On average, their opponents have scored one goal for every 8.24 chances created.

• Leicester City have conceded 362 chances this season (12.93 chances/game). On average, their opponents have scored one goal for every 8.42 chances created.

• AFCB have scored 34 goals this season (1.21 goals/game).

• Leicester City have scored 41 goals this season (1.46 goals/game).




Possible AFCB line up
AFCB Subs: Boruc, Simpson, Surnam, Pugh, Ibe, Mousset, Defoe

• AFCB to win 47.37% based on Leicester's home games and Bournemouth's away games for the last two seasons in this league.

• Average goals scored and conceded by these teams = 2.80 goals (calculation based on the goals each team have scored and conceded this season).

AFCB Away Form
LDDWL

Leicester City Home Form
LDWWD

Friday, 2 March 2018

Is Defoe best used as a sub?

The match against Newcastle saw Jermain Defoe return to the squad on the bench and he played a part in the fight back having come on in the 73rd minute. He had one good effort at goal, when he hit the side netting just moments after taking to the pitch, but should Bournemouth want more from a striker that is surely the highest paid player at the club?

I think first game back, nobody would expect Defoe to be doing much more than he did against Newcastle. Just having him on the pitch was enough to send jotters down some of the spines of a few Newcastle players. His presence is always going to be noted when he is on the team sheet and that made me think, should Defoe be pleased with his season or should he expect to be more involved now that he is getting back to full fitness?
Should AFCB get more out of Defoe than substitute duties?
Starting with Defoe was not that productive in the early games of this season, but Jermain was still getting used to how Bournemouth played and the rest of the team were working out how best to service Jermain. Arguably Jermain has not had enough games yet to really know if he should be a prime starter or not. What we have seen is that he can score amazing goals, as he did against Crystal Palace, and it would have been intriguing to see what he could have done with more than his 16 appearances so far.

Defoe has scored three goals on his return to the south coast and I would actually like Eddie to give Jermain a real go at forming a partnership with Wilson or King, although there are few games left for him to change things around much. Defoe is experienced and will know what is required at this point of the season, which makes it more tempting for Eddie to get him more involved I would think. But we have not really seen a system that really works well for Jermain at Bournemouth yet and by dipping him into games in the second half, I just hope that it does get the best out of him.
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Given the number of games and the goals he has scored, some might feel that it has not been a great return for Jermain, but we can't assess how much impact he has had as a team member in the dressing room, in training and in and around the club. He is always a chirpy chap from what I have seen and his charity work is second to none. But we all know that Jermain is one of the best strikers that this country has produced, and it would be fantastic if he could really end the season with a goal feast to remind everyone that he is top quality on and off the pitch.

Leciester City v AFCB update
The game is still on according to the AFCB website. Travel carefully if you are going!



T-Shirt Competition
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Rival Lines: "We just want Mahrez to go now," says Leicester Till I Die

Rival Lines
Match Preview
Leicester City v AFCB
Blogger Interview: Leicester Til I Die
Twitter @Leiestertid

This week Cherry Chimes talked with Chris Forryan who runs the Leicester Till I Die blog for the Foxes. They have had a pretty good season and are till involved in the FA Cup as well as hunting down a Europa League spot, but they have had their dramas too with the Mahrez story. Are things now calm at the Kong Power Stadium under Claude Puel or is there any mid-season complacency that the Cherries can take advantage of?

CC: Have your opinions on Claude Puel changed much since he became Leicester City's manager?


LTID: He started off well and got us out the relegation zone and mid-table security, so he’s done what he was brought into to do.

Some decisions baffle us but what team’s managers don’t. The problem is after what Ranieri did we expect every manager to perform miracles.

CC: Does the FA Cup take on any more importance now for Leicester City that Man City are out or is it all about trying to finish seventh on the league?

LTID: BOTH. We are the team that has been in the final the most times without winning it so after the PL success it would be nice to win it, but with four big teams still in it, it looks a hard task. The battle for seventh and a probable Europa League place seems to be a better route into Europe for next season. I would take losing at some stage in the FA Cup and finishing seventh in the league.

CC: Leicester had good home form in January so what has been the reason for the draws in February against Stoke City and Swansea City?

LTID: Swansea City had come off wins against Liverpool and Arsenal and were on a good run under
a new manager, so a draw against them was a good result.

Don’t mention the Stoke game, as the saying goes "We’re were you when we were sh_t?" I was watching us play Stoke last Saturday!

CC: Has Iheanacho been a disappointment or do you think now is his time having seen Ulloa and Slamni go out on loan in January?

LTID:  Too early to say, not been with us a season yet and has only just started to play regularly due to the injury to Okazaki. Give him time he will come good and an excellent replacement for Vardy.



CC: Will you be pleased if Mahrez and Vardy finally leave this summer and the club can reinvest in more new players?

LTID: Yes to Mahrez just want him to go now. I don’t believe Vardy will, he's coming into the twilight of his career and will see his days out at Leicester as he has come to realise we suit his style of play.

CC: What might your season have been like had you not brought in Harry Maguire last summer?

LTID: We are short at the back with Huth being out all season. He and Morgan are getting past it and Maguire and Dragovic are solid at the back. To be honest, it doesn’t bare thinking about.

CC: Would you like to see Derby County get promoted just so that you had a gritty local derby match?

LTID: Nope. Don’t want any Midland club to get promoted would like to see them all in League 2

CC: What's the injury list looking like for Leicester City coming into this match?

LTID: Okazaki is the main injury worry, Morgan is back (unfortunately) no other major problems.

CC: If you could have your pick of strikers for Leicester from Defoe, Wilson or King which would you pick?

LTID: Defo Defo. As an impact sub late on when to need to pinch a goal he would be perfect.

CC: How do you expect Leicester to line up against Bournemouth?

LTID:  Schmeichel – Fuchs, Maguire, Morgan, Simpson – Albrighton, Ndidi, James, Mahrez – Vardy, Inachio

CC: Thanks for those answers Chris. It is good to see Leicester City doing well and backing up their Premier League win of a couple of year's ago with a changing squad that has some new names that are staring to get known. Whether Leicester are a long way ahead of AFCB we will find out this weekend, but both teams have a shot at finishing well inside the top 10 and recent games between these teams have been draws so I don't see it easy to pick a winner this weekend.

Check out why Leicester City Till I Die was so displeased with the club's last home game by visiting the wesite.

T-Shirt Competition
Predict the correct score between Leicester City and AFCB this weekend to be in with a chance to win a Cherry Chimes T-Shirt. If we have more than one correct answer we will draw a winner out of the hat.

To enter Tweet your prediction to @CherryChimes

Thursday, 1 March 2018

Every point is great at the moment

Getting a point from the Newcastle match was like pulling something out of the fire. Other teams in an around the bottom will not know whether it is good that Newcastle didn't get the full three points, or if it had been better that Bournemouth had not picked up anything. The league is ridiculously tight and anything can still happen in the lower half yet. That is why AFCB should celebrate the fact that they got a point when it so easily cold have been none.
AFCB are still in need of a bigger points collection.
Newcastle might not have been so amazing that they deserved the three points but they had more than enough chances to win the game and I couldn't help coming away from Dean Court think that AFCB got away with one there. It is such games that prove the difference between falling into trouble and staying clear of the drop zone.

A point at this stage still keeps Bournemouth five points above the bottom three and the goal difference of -10 still has the Cherries more in line for a top half finish than a last day relegation scrap. The next four games should bring Bournemouth the points they need for another season at the top level and if they were to pick up with a point a game from here on in they would be in a very healthy position.

It's about not losing to those teams below them at the moment and the key games will be against WBA, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Swansea. Win any of those matches and I think Bournemouth will be safe enough. It's all hypothetical of course and points have to be won on the pitch and that is why it was good just to see another point added last Saturday when it might have none at all. UTCIAD!

ASK Fans' match preview - Leicester City v AFCB

Liverpool kick-off on collision with Grand National

BT Sport has upset the Liverpool Mayor, Joe Anderson, after announcing that the Liverpool v AFCB match will be played on the same day as the Grand National at Aintree with a 5.30pm kick off. The match will take place just 15 minutes before the horse race so the congestion will be a problem with the race course just four miles away from Anfield and 70,000 people expected at the race and 50,000 people at the football.
It could be a bit busy around Anfield next month.
The Merseyside police will be stretched for resources with two large events taking place at around the same time and security levels need to be kept high. Moving the game to Sunday is not a possibility as it would conflict with the 29th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and I'd expect there is little enthusiasm for a mid-week game for traveling Bournemouth fans.

Anybody wanting to see both events live will be disappointed but the traffic will be like after both events have finished could see a meltdown. AFCB can only concentrate on the football to be played but it does seem barmy that TV can move kick off times without fully considering the implications of what this means for the fans.


The Liverpool v Bournemouth games have often been televised because of the attractive football on show from both teams in previous seasons but if there is a real fuss kicked up before this match it could have an affect on the game itself, and the players, which is not what fans' will want.

The media attention will be big no matter what now and with the possibility of problems no doubt media companies will send even more of their staff to monitor the scenes. Fingers-crossed we will still be talking about the football on 14 April rather than anything else.


AFCB also announced the Man Utd home fixture is being moved to a 5.30 kick off on 21 April 2018.
Out Today
Cherry Chimes' March Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month. It's out tomorrow with special story - What happened to mid-table safety?

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