by Matt Jelf
After struggling to find form in recent games AFC Bournemouth will be looking to get back to winning ways and back into the promotion places.
Their opponents, Blackburn, are currently sitting comfortably in mid-table with a play-off place looking unlikely at this stage.
Team News
Bournemouth look as though they will have Harry Arter available for the game on Saturday. Tokelo Rantie was named in the squad mid-week and is likely to feature once more following his injury in the African Cup of Nations.
Blackburn are missing Joshua King due to a hamstring injury. Jason Lowe appears to be out for the season with a foot problem. Tommy Spur and David Dunn will however return to action for The Rovers.
Form Guide
Neither team are going into this game in fine form, with both having won just 2 of their last 6 and failing to record a win in their last 3. Bournemouth have faced some tough competition in that time, coming up against promotion hopeful’s Brentford and league leaders Derby, whereas the Rovers have had a slightly easier run in which they have drawn against bottom place Blackpool.
Ones to Watch
Despite Blackburn not playing their best Rudy Gustede has shown some individual form, scoring 2 in his last 4 matches and hitting the post twice in that time. He will be Blackburn’s biggest goal threat against The Cherries.
Bournemouth’s defence has been somewhat leaky recently but Simon Francis has been solid at the back as well as contributing up the other end as well. He has been one of Bournemouth’s best players in the last couple of games.
Callum Wilson is on 18 goals this season, a fantastic record. However, he has failed to find the net in his last 3 games. A player of Wilson’s calibre does not go long without a goal and is surely due one or two in the coming weeks.
Head to Head
Since The Cherries knocked Blackburn out of the league cup in 2004 the sides have met just 3 times. Blackburn have taken 3 points twice and Bournemouth won the other. They met each other at the start of the season at Ewood Park where Blackburn secured the points in a 3-2 win.
Coverage
Unfortunately there is no live coverage on TV. For match day tickets head over to AFC Bournemouth’s website.
If you are unable to watch the game live, head back to Nerve for a full match review as soon as the game is finished.
Prediction
AFC Bournemouth 3-1 Blackpool
Despite some poor form of late Bournemouth have managed to find the net in all of their previous 6 games. The Cherries are due a win and with the home crowd behind them, this Saturday is the perfect opportunity to do that.
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