AFC Bournemouth travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, knowing that three points could take them out of the relegation zone. Wolves have struggled themselves this season but have found some form of late under Julen Lopetegui and will want to continue this push for survival.
It is no secret that Bournemouth have struggled so far this campaign. Some poor performances coupled with unlucky results leave the team 19th in the table with only local rivals, Southampton, below them.
Last time out against Newcastle, Bournemouth got a well-deserved point, but it will be the way Bournemouth played that pleased Gary O’Neil the most. Some free-flowing football in a clearly defined system was what the fans had been calling for all season and this was finally delivered against Newcastle. The Cherries were actually very unlucky not to take all three points away from the game, some missed chances and a goal-line clearance from Kieran Trippier denied Bournemouth the three points.
Despite this, Bournemouth will be heading into the match against Wolves in a much more positive fashion than perhaps they would have been a couple of weeks ago. The fight for survival is just starting for Bournemouth and they know every match is crucially important from now on.
Wolves too are in desperate need of the three points. Despite finding some recent form, they know a couple of poor results will see them fall back into the relegation dogfight, one which they are so desperate to avoid.
Ahead of the fixture, Gary O’Neil spoke to the media, including Nerve Sport. He gave an update on the injury front, O’Neil confirmed Senesi is back in contention for tomorrow but there is still no Kelly, Cook, or David Brooks.
On the recent Newcastle performance, O’Neil stated: “I’m encouraged but we need to move on and we need to make sure we take some points as well.”
“Wolves is a massive game but we need to make sure we take something from it”
Speaking about how he’s changed as a manager since his first game in charge, he said:
“I always feel very comfortable on the side-line. I’m definitely a better manager than when I started. The group are always fully committed. A real good group who respond to everything I ask of them.”
Jefferson Lerma recently won player of the month for Bournemouth. When asked by Nerve Sport how important the number 8 is to the squad, O’Neil responded: “He’s huge for us. As a proper defensive midfielder, he’s the only one we’ve got at the moment.
He’s important to us in that sense but obviously, he’s been here a long time, he understands the club, he has a fantastic relationship with the fans and works his socks off as well as being willing to put his body on the line.
When you’re sat in the head coaches’ seat and you put Jefferson Lerma’s name on the team sheet there’s a real confidence, there’s never any worry. You’ll always get a competitive, honest, hard-working performance from him. He’s very reliable.
Wolves vs Bournemouth kicks off on Saturday at 3pm live from Molineux stadium.