Bournemouth vs Brentford- Preview

Background

AFC Bournemouth go into this game on the back of a draw to Hartlepool, and the frustration is beginning to show. Manager Paul Groves and Chairman Eddie Mitchell have come out in the press to criticize the Dean Court boo boys, who apparently are in the wrong. The visitors, Brentford, lost away to Leyton Orient on Thursday night in front of the Sky Camers.

Bournemouth News:

The Cherries come into this game with a largely healthy squad, as long term absentees Charlie Sheringham, Stephen Purches, Darryl Flahavan and Franck Demouge are the only players unavailable for selection. On Saturday, Richard Hughes dropped out of the squad with youngster Joe Partington replacing him in the defensive hole of the midfield diamond. Hughes however, should be in contention to return to the starting line up on Tuesday. Bournemouth's options have significantly increased with the returns of Wes Fogden, Josh McQuoid and Hughes who all have been regulars since their respective recoveries from injury. Groves might be inclined to make a tactical change to the diamond he has been favouring recently as the width of Marc Pugh made a noticeable difference against Hartlepool.

Here's my preferred lineup (4-1-3-2):

--Jalal--

--Francis--Addison--Elphick--Daniels

--Hughes--

--Pugh--MacDonald--Arter--

--Grabban--Tubbs--

The Visitors:

Brentford make the short trip south sitting comfortably in tenth position having amassed 10 points from their opening 6 games. They have had an inconsistent start to the season, with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in their previous four matches. Under boss Uwe Rosler Brentford have gained a reputation for playing football the right way, and will no doubt set up in a more positive manner than Hartlepool did on Saturday. The only absence for The Bees will be midfielder Adam Forshaw, a recent signing from Everton, who is a doubt due to an abdominal problem.

Here's how they lined up against Leyton Orient:

--Moore--

--Logan--Dean--Bidwell--Craig

--Forshaw--Douglas--Diagouraga--

--Donaldson--Hayes--Forrester

My Prediction:

It's hard to get a true feel for this game considering how well we played against Yeovil, but so abysmally against Hartlepool. Groves is certainly under major pressure to start delivering the results, but I just feel that at some point we are due to thrash a team, or be on the end of a thrashing. If my line up prediction is correct, the return of Daniels and Pugh could bring some much needed attacking width to the side, and Pugh is always a nightmare for full-backs. That said, Tuesday will not be the day that we thrash someone, but I have confidence in the team to produce in the result. Brentford are clearly no pushovers, but I think their ability to play football in a passing manner may actually be a disadvantage for them. I predict a 2-1 win to The Cherries, with Tubbs and Arter grabbing the goals.


Thanks for reading, and as always, Up The Cherries!

March Pugh is a possibility to return