Cherries travel to Doncaster

AFC Bournemouth travel to Doncaster on Saturday to face a side that are sixth in the League One table following relegation from the Championship last term.

Rovers spent four years in the second flight before ending last season bottom of the league.

Since Eddie Howe's return was announced on 12th October, the Cherries have enjoyed an excellent run of form and remain undefeated with four wins in five league games, scoring 14 goals in the process.

Tuesday nights victory places the Cherries in 12th.

Until Tuesday night Doncaster Rovers had also enjoyed a good run of form, only losing one in ten games, winning three consecutive fixtures.

But that run came to an end this week with a 2-0 defeat at home to Crewe Alexandra.

Howe told afcb.co.uk...

"It will be difficult because Doncaster are a good side. They have a lot of players who played in the Championship for them. Dean Saunders has done really well - he picked them up after last season and they have good spirit.

"I do not believe their defeat on Tuesday will have a bearing on the game. All I know is that we are on a good run and it will be a good game between two teams who like to play the game in the right way."

Doncaster Rovers have several injury doubts ahead of the game.

Midfielder David Cotterill hopes to be in contention after missing the last three games, whilst Rob Jones came off against Crewe with a head injury.

However midfielder Kyle Bennett looks set to miss out with a knee injury, while defender Jamie McCombe remains on the sidelines.

Former Swindon Town striker Billy Paynter joined Doncaster in the summer and has scored four goals in ten starts so far this season.

Striker Wesley Thomas is expected to miss out again with a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Richard Hughes remains out of contention, along with long term absentees Darryl Flahavan, Stephen Purches and Charlie Sheringham.

The Cherries striker on loan from Southampton is desperate to score more goals during his current loan spell spell.

Against Shrewsbury on Tuesday he hit the post in the build up to the Cherries second goal and with the AFC Bournemouth's current form of creating chances Barnard will fancy a goal on Saturday.

Head to Head

Bournemouth wins - 12
Doncaster Rovers wins - 12
Draws - 11

Last time out

The last time the Cherries travelled to Doncaster was August 2007. The Cherries returned to the south coast victorious with a 2-1 win.

17th November 2012, AFC Bournemouth v. Oldham Athletic, 3pm.

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