Bournemouth will be hoping to continue their undefeated start to the league season with a win on their travels to Peterborough, as they look to lead the Championship again.
Bournemouth will be hoping to continue their undefeated start to the league season with a win on their travels to Peterborough, as they look to lead the Championship again.
Peterborough have had a difficult start in England’s second division, following their automatic promotion from League One last season. The side currently sit just outside the relegation spots, but tonight’s tough fixture may see them return if they are not able to gain the three points.
Darren Ferguson’s side have struggled to adapt to the Championship, having only accumulated two wins in the first nine matches. Both wins came at Peterborough’s Weston Homes Stadium versus Derby and most recently Birmingham, whilst also reducing a physical Cardiff side to a draw at the ground too.
Ferguson’s side most certainly find comfort in front of their home fans, in which it will be no easy task for the high-flying Bournemouth. However, they will need to improve in certain areas if they are to cause the upset.
As per WhoScored.com, the home side are currently sitting bottom in the shots and shots on target per game departments. Last season’s star man Jonson Clarke-Harris finished top of the goal charts with 31 to his name but has only found the net once in the league so far via a penalty. Ferguson will be desperate to have his talisman return to form once again if they are to avoid relegation. Against a defence that is looking very strong and organised, tonight may be too big of an ask for the players to step up in these areas, yet will no doubt be taking the game to visitors. There is no easy game in the Championship.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Scott Parker will be very pleased with how they have started. Tipped as promotion challengers before matchday one, the Cherries are now in full momentum as they embark on the challenge.
The fresh tactics and attitude from Parker has brought aesthetically pleasing football to the Cherries fans, whilst also showing his sides ability to grind out results and return to ‘old school’ tactics throughout various matches.
Three of the four away games have seen Bournemouth bring home three points, with Hull the only side to keep Bournemouth at bay with a 0-0 draw.
It is a squad with incredible depth, with at least one strong back-up in every position, following the good business conducted in the summer.
Parker’s experience will tell him that tonight will be a difficult fixture, as Peterborough strive to show the league what they are capable of.
A win tonight for the Cherries will see them return to the top of the league, with West Brom currently sitting above following their victory last night.
In Cherries team news, attacker Junior Stanislas is on the verge of return, but the game may have come too early, with Parker suggesting he will be ready after the next international break.
Midfielder Lewis Cook still awaits his prolonged return as he recovers from a knee injury obtained in March. But the news is positive, as Parker confirmed Cook has been involved with training and is now looking ahead to games with under-23’s. Cook took part in an in-house game during the week, and came through well, giving hope the midfielder will be in the starting line-up soon.
It promises to be a tough fixture for Parker at the Weston Homes Stadium, but a win they will need as they look to continue leading the Championship.