Dignity, self respect and reputation on the line

CandH blogger Allen Cummings looks at what must be expected tomorrow at Bournemouth 

It’s a return to Premier League action on Saturday, and  we’re heading south, to face AFC Bournemouth, in a top six clash that not only has points, but reputations at stake.

Ironic perhaps that we should be playing at the Vitality Stadium this weekend, because one ingredient that was missing in abundance at Oxford on Wednesday was any form of vitality whatsoever.

We might be off to the seaside, but it wont be for a day out. There’s a job to be done, and our dignity and self-respect to recover after the embarrassing four-goal mid-week mauling at the Kassam Stadium.

Somewhat fortunately maybe, the Cherries won’t exactly be going into the game on a high either, following their own shock 2-0 defeat at Burton Albion, a reverse that generated as much anger on their own social media sites as there was on ours.

But let’s hope getting back to Premier League action will mean getting back to Premier League form for Pelle and the team.

Cresswell must return

Our three wins, two draws and just one defeat puts us on 11 points, one point and one place above ours hosts, whose three wins, one draw and two defeats has them on 10 points.

There is very little to go on with regard to previous encounters between ourselves and Bournemouth, the clubs having only previously met on 13 occasions. The record at present also stands just in our favour, with five wins to our credit, four defeats and four matches drawn.

It’s difficult to see Pellegrini wandering too far away from the starting 11 for the Manchester United game. There certainly weren’t any ‘squad’ players on show on Wednesday who staked even half a claim to play.

Aaron Cresswell is certain to return to left back after last Sunday’s top rated performance, whilst Jack Wilshere did little to suggest he should oust Pablo Fornals from central midfield. Even though Wilshere would dearly love to shine at the Vitality, having previously spent the 2016-17 season on loan there.

There is certain to have been a few harsh words spoken behind closed doors since Wednesday – and rightly so! Pellegrini has been keen to talk of a new focus and resolve within the team this season. While several players have come out to comment on the excellent team spirit building in the dressing room, we need to see all of those qualities to shine through on Saturday afternoon.

An away point would be acceptable to keep the total rolling along – but three points has to be the target and I believe despite the mid-week blip, we now have the quality to aim high – and achieve!