Following a disappointing loss to West Ham at home last Sunday, AFC Bournemouth are back on the road this week, with a short trip along the coast to bottom-of-the-table Southampton.
The game is one which now has added importance given the defeat to West Ham, and with a tough test against Leeds to come on Sunday, it is the first of two matches in a big four-day period for the Cherries’.
Bournemouth currently sit 15th in the table, five points above the relegation zone, having played a game less than some teams below them, but a game more than West Ham, who are now one point above them.
For Southampton meanwhile, nothing less than three points will do. The Saints are rock bottom of the table, five points from safety. A draw against league leaders Arsenal will give them hope coming into the fixture, but Bournemouth will be no pushover as they look to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat to West Ham.
Gary O’Neil spoke to the media, including Nerve Sport, on Wednesday afternoon as he previews the Southampton game.
On the injury front, O’Neil confirmed that: Joe Rothwell will be available after a minor concern last weekend. Traore is still not available but “With two games in quick succession the full squad will definitely be needed as the week goes on.”
“I was disappointed that we struggled to deal with the West Ham strengths, but Southampton are a very different side.”
“We need to compete, it’s all about controlled aggression. There is emotion and desire, these things are not coachable, but they make a big difference. Football isn’t always won with the ball at your feet.”
One player who has struggled for minutes since he arrived, but who has certainly impressed when on the pitch is Matias Vina. He hasn’t been 100% fit lately but O’Neil confirmed: “Vina is fit enough to start a game, will have to keep an eye out during. He offers a real good threat going forward and will definitely help us between now and the end of the season.”
Southampton vs AFC Bournemouth kicks off at 19:45 at St Mary’s Stadium, live on BT Sport.