Storm Eunice may have forced the postponement of AFC Bournemouth’s last two games, but the Vitality Stadium is back in action today, as the Cherries face a Stoke City side who are winless in their last 3 games.
Storm Eunice may have forced the postponement of AFC Bournemouth’s last two games, but the Vitality Stadium is back in action today as the Cherries face a Stoke City side who are winless in their last three games.
Bournemouth are heading into the game on a strong run of form, having won the last three. The most recent being the last-gasp winner at Blackpool two weeks ago. It is this momentum that Scott Parker’s men will hope to carry forward as they continue to hold their automatic promotion place and have eyes on the number one spot. The Cherries currently sit nine points behind league leaders Fulham but will be keen to take advantage of their two games in hand.
A win will see them five points clear of third place QPR who play in today's lunchtime kick-off versus fellow promotion rivals Blackburn.
Bournemouth have no fresh injury concerns due to the cancellation of their two most recent fixtures, but Scott Parker was able to provide updates of current absences in his press conference on Thursday.
Ryan Christie is still unavailable following his quad injury sustained against Birmingham City, but Parker confirmed, "he has improved drastically from where he was originally.”
Ethan Laird signed for the club in January but is yet to make his debut for the club.
Parker commented: "Ethan Laird will also come into contention and we’re in a good place for a tough run in, everyone is ready for that.”
Kieffer Moore, Robbie Brady and Junior Stanislas remain absent as they continue their recovery from longer term injuries.
Stoke City are not without injury concerns themselves, following a defeat to Luton Town. Josh Tymon (hamstring) and Jaden Philogene-Bidace (groin) are both incredibly unlikely to feature, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis also a doubt.
With Bournemouth’s fixture list getting busier every week, it is vital they pick up points where they can as the end of the season begins to approach, and the all-important promotion battle reaches its climax.