Following their first defeat of the season on Wednesday night, Scott Parker's Bournemouth will be looking to return to winning ways as they host Swansea City.
Scott Parker’s Bournemouth will be determined to bounce back from their unexpected defeat in mid-week versus Preston, as they host an in-form Swansea City.
The loss on Wednesday night saw the Cherries add their first defeat to the leaderboards, having broken the club record for a best league start in the Reading game prior. Although it was expected a loss would come, very few would have thought it to be on this occasion.
But all credit to Preston on the night as they organized and frustrated Bournemouth in a way that they were unable to stamp their style and authority into the game which we have been so accustomed to seeing.
Speaking on the night, Parker was first to praise the team to finally defeat them.
“I give credit to Preston. I thought they came here with a very good plan and restricted spaces.
“We weren’t at our clinical best against a real flat, stubborn back five with three in the front.”
Despite disappointment, Parker was relaxed. Speaking in Friday’s pre-match conference it was clear that the team had sat down to look over what went wrong. His demeanor was that of someone not alarmed and he was sure to respond to questions by praising the team. And rightly so. 16 games, one defeat. With all the good that has been seen, there is always leeway for a weak performance.
“We’re all good” Parker stated beginning the conference.
“Of course disappointed with Wednesday’s result and certainly aspects of our game. This is part and parcel of what a long season is.
“There will be some bumps along the journey. That is the facts of the profession and division we are in.
“We need to understand and learn from the other night which we will do and consistently do whether we are winning games or losing them. We are very consistent in our processes.
“But what this side has done in a short space of time has been amazing. To sit in this position with one defeat is very good and that has come down to amazing quality and a lot of hard work.” He added.
The Head Coach is fully aware at what a high level his squad have been performing and knows exactly of the ability and quality he has at his disposal. Thus explaining his reluctance to go in depth on any critical points. The situation the team faced on Wednesday night was not unfamiliar, with teams averting to such styles to hinder the Cherries with very little space. Previously however, they were able to come out with at least a point. Currently, Wednesday night is an anomaly.
Looking ahead to today’s clash, it would be a surprise if Bournemouth were faced with another deep lying, compact defense. Under new manager Russel Martin, Swansea have been slow in gaining momentum. But it appears they are finally adapting to the new ideas that Martin is beginning to integrate. They have taken 12 points from their last 15, including victories over West Brom and Coventry. The Swans will be looking to test the Bournemouth defense, with in-form striker Joel Piroe looking to add to his nine goals this season.
If Wednesday night had any element of underestimating the opponent, this afternoon is the opposite as Parker was clear to reveal his thoughts on the team from Wales:
“Really good side.
“Started slowly as you can expect with a new manager going in and creating new ideas.
“But the way they have picked up results, you can see this is clearly a very good side and have a clear way about them.
“One thing I am sure and confident of is that tomorrow is going to be a very tough game.”
Parker will be exploring the best line-up for his team to bounce back. With Jordan Zemura injured, a question has been raised over the left-back position. This is not a natural position for Chris Mepham who filled in there on Wednesday, leaving the question if there is a possibility of switching formation.
It appears Robbie Brady won’t be awarded his first start, with Parker wanting to ensure his match fitness is where it needs to be. Concerns are raised over the absence of Leif Davis with him not featuring in the last four matchday squads.
Therefore, if both are deemed not appropriate to start this afternoon, then a logical solution would be to tuck Mepham inside and go to a three at the back. Not something we have seen often, but with the available personnel the squad is more then capable of doing so if needed.
The Head Coach admitted yesterday: “There is an option to freshen things up if I feel the need to do that.
“It is something we are discussing and certainly thinking about. At the same time, I don’t want to go away from what has got us in this position and be the team we have become.
“Of course, when your faced with injuries and fitness concerns you have to be flexible about how you do that.”
Bournemouth fans will be anxious for the response to their first loss, and how so against a strong side. Will Parker be flexible in his shape? It is a solution and one that Parker may have to take. What we can be sure of is that it will be an interesting game of football to watch between two teams who have promotion hopes.