Opposition view: AFC Bournemouth

By Ric Turner, Fri 01 April 2016 14:59


Opposition view: AFC BournemouthAn insight into tomorrow's opponents from "Tales from the South Stand"

What are your expectations for the remainder of this season?

Now we have reached 38 points we can worry less about relegation and concentrate on picking up as many points as possible. I reckon there will be a few unexpected results for us before the season is finished.

Are you happy with the manager?

How can we not be happy with Eddie Howe? He has taken us from no-hopers to the Premier League. He is the man who makes everything tick at AFC Bournemouth. And we reckon there is more to come from him and his team.

Who are your key players?

Steve Cook, Simon Francis and Charlie Daniels have been nearly ever present at the back and it has shown as the season has gone on. While Andrew Surman in midfield is an unsung hero, goalscorers are key and whoever has come in place of Callum Wilson has made a contribution.

Are there any rising stars in the squad that we might not have heard of?

Baily Cargill is a defender with a bright future (although currently injured). He plays for the England U21's and was recently on loan at Coventry. He will be a future Bournemouth star.

Your Achilles heel?

Corners and set pieces were at the beginning of the season and still are occasionally, but the players are much improved in this area thankfully.

If you could have any City player in your team who would you choose?

So many great players to choose from. I would be more than happy to see Joe Hart, Sergio Aguero and David Silva on the AFC Bournemouth bench.

What is your perception of City as a club?

A big club with massive support and far too much money, but obviously this was only a recent thing. In reality I see City as a bunch of underachievers. With so much at their disposal they should be doing much better.

Likely starting XI for the game, and score prediction?

The starting line-up will be the same one as the last few games. Boruc in goal, Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels in defence, Surman, Arter (if fit), Gradel, Ritchie in midfield and King and Afobe up front. I would to say 5-1 to us, but in reality I would be happy with a draw. I have a sneaky feeling that we are going to win, but I say this quite often and I'm usually wrong.