Howe set to rekindle old rivalries

AFC Bournemouth travel to Nottingham for Eddie Howe's first away game of his second spell in charge of the Cherries.

During Eddie Howe's first spell in charge, the Cherries and Notts County enjoyed a good rivalry as both clubs won promotion to League One in 2010.

The following season the Cherries and Notts County drew 3-3 at Dean Court with County scoring two last minute goals to steal a point.

Then in the FA Cup second round a first half rout by the home side, left the Cherries out of the competition with a 3-1 defeat.

Howe left the club less than a month later for Championship side Burnley, but after 21 months he has now returned to the Cherries and is looking forward to rekindling old rivalries.

Howe told afcb.co.uk...

"Notts County have done really well this season. They are a good footballing side and although they have lost their last three at home, nothing should take away from where they are in the league.

'Full credit to Keith Curle for the job that he has done there and where he has got them in the league. They are a footballing side and the new players he brought in during the summer have gelled really quickly and as their league position suggests, it will be a difficult assignment for us.

'We have had some really good battles with them in the past, especially in the promotion season. We were both at the top of the division and there was a healthy rivalry between the two clubs. We had some good games in the league and also of course we played them in the FA Cup that season...'

Notts County are without regular right-backs Julian Kelly (hamstring) and Carl Regan (ankle) so it is expected that Gary Liddle, who is normally a versatile midfielder, is set to plug the gap.

Midfielder Alan Judge could be set to return after missing the last two games.

The French striker joined Notts County from Hereford in the summer and has scored four goals so far this season, including two against Portsmouth and one against Coventry in County's 2-1 win on Saturday.

The Cherries are definitely without left back Charlie Daniels who is suspended following his fifth yellow card of the season against Tranmere.

Steve Cook has already featured at left back this season, so he could return to the starting line up as his replacement.

Midfielder Lewis Grabban limped off against Tranmere and is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Midfielders Richard Hughes and Mark Molesley remain out of contention, along with long term absentees Darryl Flahavan, Stephen Purches and Charlie Sheringham.

With Notts County having potential problems at right back, left winger Marc Pugh will be looking to exploit any potential weaknesses in the home sides defence.

Head to Head

Bournemouth wins - 28
Notts County wins - 23
Draws - 13

Last time out

The last time the Cherries travelled to Meadow Lane in August 2011, they returned to the south coast empty handed following a 3-1 defeat.

Saturday 27th October 2012, Carlisle V AFC Bournemouth, 3pm.

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for the British GP

Seconds Out! Vital Boxing is here!