Preview vs. Rochdale (a)

And so it`s official. Eddie Howe has moved to pastures new up the M6 to Burnley and Lee Bradbury has been installed with the job in a caretakers role. Bradders will be assisted by Steve Fletcher, who will continue to be available for selection, whilst Lee has decided to hang up his boots to concentrate solely on managing the team.

Eddie Howe`s 100th and final game in charge of Cherries resulted in a 2-1 defeat away at Colchester in front of the Sky cameras Friday night. Fletcher put Bournemouth ahead until our away curse struck again and two late goals meant we left Colchester both pointless and managerless.

Our hosts for tomorrow`s fixture are Rochdale and they currently sit 11th in the league 1 table. Rochdale were promoted alongside us from League 2 last season and have adapted well to their new surroundings. Last Saturday so them draw 1-1 with Leyton Orient.

Bradbury took the squad for training for the first time on Sunday and will be hoping to continue the good work Eddie has built over the last two years.

Defender Scott Wiseman will definitely miss out as he serves the final match of his three game suspension. New signing Nicky Adams is doubtful after suffering an ankle knock and Celtic Loanee Josh Thompson has a stiff back and will be checked before kick-off.

The veteran midfielder has been pulling the strings of Dale`s midfield all season. The combative player has scored 12 goals already this term and will be looking to add to his tally tomorrow night.

Lee Bradbury could have Ryan Garry available again after the defender missed the Christmas period. Michael Symes is pushing for a return as is Harry Arter. New assistant manager Steve Fletcher could well start after scoring as a substitute Friday night.

The energetic midfielder has been in good form in recent weeks and has started to once again impose himself on the opposition. Anton has failed to score in recent weeks and will be looking to put that right in Lee Bradbury`s first game as caretaker manager.

Our last visit to Spotland was last April as the two sides played out an entertaining 0-0 draw.

Keith Hill angered the majority of Cherries supporters claiming last season that 'Bournemouth had built a squad on money they don`t have.`

A victory for Bournemouth will see them move back above Southampton in the table

Match prediction: Rochdale 2-0 AFCB

It`s going to be a very tough ask for Bradders and the team to put behind the events of the last week. This game would have been challenging even with Howe in charge and I believe the home side will take advantage of the Cherries uncertainty.

Saturday 22nd January 2011

League One

Bournemouth v Brighton, 15:00

Preview by sotonsolentcherry

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