Cherries host Oldham

AFC Bournemouth return to the Goldsands Stadium for two back to back home matches starting with Oldham on Saturday followed by Stevenage on Tuesday night.

The Cherries unbeaten run since Eddie Howe's return to Dean Court was announced remains intact following a superb victory over promotion hopefuls Doncaster Rovers last weekend.

The Cherries have now won six of their last seven games in all competitions and have climbed the League One table to 12th, five points off the play-off places.

Howe told afcb.co.uk...

"We can never take our feet off the pedals and we need everyone to be at their best for these two very important home games.

'I respect Paul Dickov a great deal as a manager and he has done a good job there. You know when you play Oldham that you are in for a tough game, and we expect nothing less.

'We have had some good tests in recent games, and the players have applied themselves well to all the challenges that they have faced. These two home games are different challenges again. The pressure is on us because we are expected to win, but the lads have proved that they can handle that pressure."

AFC Bournemouth full back Simon Francis remains unavailable with a hip injury. He is expected to miss both the Oldham and Stevenage games with Steve Cook most likely to deputise at right back.

Mark Molesley featured in a development squad game in mid-week and could be involved, whilst youngster Jayden Stockley has made a loan move to Woking until January.

Long term absentees Darryl Flahavan, Stephen Purches and Charlie Sheringham remain sidelined.

The striker played in the teams development squad game at Exeter in mid-week scoring the Cherries goal in a 1-1 draw.

After enjoying a loan spell with Portsmouth only to suffer a hamstring problem during his first training session following his recall, Thomas will be eager to prove himself to new manager Eddie Howe.

Oldham midfielders Dean Furman and James Wesolowski will both be out following suspensions.

Youssouf M'Changama is expected to drop into midfield alongside Jose Baxter with Robbie Simpson starting up front.

The former Everton attacker joined Oldham in the summer after enjoying a loan spell with Tranmere last season.

The 20 year old has already scored 6 goals this season including a run of 5 goals in 6 games last month.

Head to Head

Bournemouth wins - 20
Oldham Athletic wins - 15
Draws - 16

Last time out

Last season the Cherries failed to score in either fixture against Paul Dickov's Oldham. Drawing the game at Dean Court 0-0 and losing the away game 1-0.

20th November 2012, AFC Bournemouth V Stevenage, 7.45pm.

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco