Written by Oliver Ferris (@OllieFerris12)
Jason Tindall’s AFC Bournemouth embark on the second half of the season as they host Luton Town, hoping to continue their strive for promotion.
Tindall’s side face 14th-placed Luton Town following a disappointing midweek draw to Millwall courtesy of a late strike from Lions’ Matt Smith in the 79th minute.
The Cherries travelled to Kenilworth Road only four weeks ago coming away with one point in a difficult 0-0 draw.
“We know what to expect. It was a difficult game for us during a difficult period. We weren’t at our best on that day,” Tindall said.
Despite Luton only winning once in their last five league games, Tindall was full of praise for tomorrow’s opponents as they host them at the Vitality Stadium for the first time since 2009.
“Luton has been on a great journey. I think the manager is doing a good job there. It will be a good game, a tough game as it always is versus them,” he said.
As Saturday’s fixture kicks off the second half of the season, Tindall reflected on what had been a very strong first half of the campaign from his side.
“When taking everything into consideration, we have to be pleased. We have only lost three games this season. There is a lot more to come from us as a squad. We have had big players out also and they are beginning to come back, so looking at everything we have to be happy,” he said.
In injury news, Junior Stanislas was forced off versus Millwall in the 71st minute after picking up an ankle injury which will see the Bournemouth ace sidelined for at least four weeks.
“The damage is not as what we had first feared, but we will be without Junior for a period. It is a big blow for us considering how well he was doing.
“He is a strong-minded character and I’m sure he’ll come back as strong as he has done in the past,” Tindall added.
The injury to Junior Stanislas may be a call of concern as the Cherries have found it difficult in front of goal in recent fixtures scoring only three in their last three league games and facing a side who proved very difficult to break down four weeks ago.
Speaking on the options available, Tindall said: “We certainly have a lot of attacking options. Whatever the team chosen, they will be more then capable delivering the result and performance needed.”
Further squad news sees Arnaut Danjuma continue to be a doubt, but Tindall was clear to emphasise he is ‘very close’ to being back involved with the squad.
“We have been cautious with his recovery and have had to reign in his eagerness. Mentally and physically, he is in a good place,” he said.
Chris Mepham has also been training with the squad as he continues recovery from a calf injury, but still unlikely to feature in the game tomorrow.