Sheffield United vs AFC Bournemouth Preview

Background: Bournemouth go into their second consecutive visit to Brammall Lane on a decent run of form, consisting of three 1-1 draws, two of them at home, one away. Their opponents Sheffield United have had a good start to their second year in League One gathering 5 points from one win and two draws. Last year the teams met twice, with Sheffield United winning both fixtures 0-2 and 2-1 respectively.

Bournemouth News:

There is relatively no new injury news from The Cherries this week as no new injuries have been sustained since the game against Preston on Saturday. Long term absentees Charlie Sheringham, Wes Fogden and Stephen Purches remain out for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, new signing Frank Demouge also remains out for another 4-8 weeks, so Cherries fans will have to wait a while to see the new foreign superstar in the famous red & black stripes. Shaun MacDonald has not played since the opening game at Portsmouth, but he may unseat a someone to gain his place back in the starting eleven. Paul Groves has been tinkering with his tactics in the first four games this season, with Cherries fans witnessing multiple forward and central defence partnerships. Though Groves may continue to experiment, it is notable that Miles Addison and Lee Barnard have started every match so far. A win is much needed for the fans to gain confidence in the new boss, and the sackings of Andy Thorn and John Sheridan this week show that no manager is safe from the sack. The mystery will be the formation Groves chooses to start with, does he go with a defensive formation to play for a point and try to hit them on the counter attack? Or does he keep the trusted 4-4-2 formation and hope that the players will finally click.

Predicted Lineup:

--Jalal--

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

--McDermott--O'Kane--Partington--Pugh

--Grabban--Barnard--

The Vistors:

Sheffield United have begun their second consecutive campaign in League One with a good start, though many fans may have hoped for more from the first 3 games. On the back of a heart breaking play-off final loss to Huddersfield, and the loss of start striker Ched Evans, Danny Wilson faced quite a challenging task to build a team that is capable of satisfying the Blades expectations. The Blades have made 6 summer signings, notably forward John Cofie on loan from Manchester United and defender Tony McMahon from Middlesborough. These players have been brought in to balance the loss of key players such as Lee Williamson and Matthew Lowton. Sheffield United will no doubt be full of confidence heading into their second home game of the season. 

Here's how the Blades lined up for their 1-1 away draw to Colchester on Tuesday.

--Howard--

--McMahon--MacGuire--Collins--Hill

--Quinn--Doyle--McDonald--McAllister

--Cofie--Blackman--


My Prediction:

I think Sheffield United will win this game 2-1, a brave Bournemouth defence will hold on to the draw until the last minute, when a last minute goal devastates the away team. It is a very difficult game without doubt, though we are still capable of coming home with a least a point. If luck swings in our favour, maybe Paul Groves gets his first win of the season.

Post Match Thoughts: Sheffield United 2-1 Bournemouth

Another match, another failure to gain three points from the Cherries. Since early February, Bournemouth have been struggling to win their games at all, let alone convincingly. Before this drop in form, the Cherries were right in the mix for the play-off race, only a couple of points off 6th place Stevenage. Curiously, the team played better before all of the money was spent of new players, hinting at a possible lack of cohesion and spirit within the squad.

Today Bournemouth continued their winless run after losing 2-0 at promotion chasers Sheffield United.  Since Paul Groves came in charge, the team has played the game in a different manner, going back to the Bournemouth faithful's favourite passing football, rather than the hoofball recently instilled by Bradbury towards the end of his regime. However, in 3 games Groves' team has only gained 2 out of 9 points, highlighted by dropping a 2-0 lead at Stevenage, and failing to beat fellow mid-table languishers Yeovil at home. While we could never expect anything from an away match at a team like Sheffield United, it is worrying how close the team is to the relegation zone (8 points). Suddenly, the team has to look down the table and begin worrying about the results of the teams down in the relegation fight, because Bournemouth aren't safe right now. Though, hopefully a win or two in the final games should guarantee another season in League One.

 The defence has played reasonably well all year, and Cook, Zubar, Daniels, Francis is a more than good enough group of starters for any ambitious team in this league. When their is little going forward, the defence did well to limit a 2nd place team with Ched Evans up front to only two goals. The concern is at the other end of the pitch, where as Thomas' goals have dried out, so has the whole team's production. Next season, it is vital Tubbs and Thomas learn to play together, with Malone, McDermott and Pugh contributing also. In my opinion, the squad has too much dead weight for it to carry out a successful promotion campaign. These constantly injured players and those not able to play up to standard in League One need to be replaced this summer. Most importantly, Eddie Mitchell must get of his stool in the stadium bar, and get to work on hiring a smart, experienced and winning manager that will take advantage of the funds the club has.

Up the Cherries in all departments,

Max.