AFC Bournemouth head coach provided his thoughts and injury news ahead of the EFL clash with automatic promotion rivals Huddersfield
AFC Bournemouth take on third-placed Huddersfield Town on Saturday with only three points separating the two Championship sides.
Huddersfield’s 17 match unbeaten league run was ended by Millwall this week, but Scott Parker was sure to commend the side’s quality.
In the pre-match press conference, he said:“They are a very good side to be quite honest, a well-organized team with quality as well. This is going to be a tough game for us.
“They’ve done a remarkable job, especially with how the season started for them. The transformation has been remarkable.
“To get the result at the weekend, we're going to have to put in a really good performance. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult as it has been for a lot of teams this season.”
The Cherries boss also highlighted his disappointment after Tuesday’s draw at home to Reading FC.
“I didn't like us as a team. I didn't suspect the game would be like that after such a dominant first half.” The head coach stated.
He continued, “After 15 minutes with a goal in front, I expected us to go through the gears and get a result, that didn’t happen.
“I didn't feel like we had a ruthless edge about us. It’s probably the worst we've been for some time in terms of giving the ball up easily.”
With just eleven games left to play this season, Scott Parker ‘sees the light’ at the end of the tunnel.
“We've still got fixtures ahead of us, but I see the light now. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, we’re on the home straight.
“We’ve worked for thirty-five games to get to this point, now we need to bring it on.”
Parker also provided the team news ahead of the Saturday fixture.
Both Phillip Billing and Adam Smith return to the team with Parker ‘pleased’ to have them back.
The Cherries boss said: “We've missed two players through suspension, and pleased to have them back in the squad for the weekend as well”
He further confirmed that the recent scan for Leif Davis’ hip injury came back better than first though. The left-back has been involved in light training and Parker is hopeful he will progress soon and be back involved.
“Everyone else is in a good place and fit. Robbie Brady is also coming back. He’s been training and is getting fit and well.” He added.
Junior Stanislas is also moving in the ‘right direction’ and Parker hopes he will return after the international break. Speaking on Brady and Stanislas Parker said, “Hopefully after the international break they’ll be back.
“These two players have big experience in-and-around this division as well. It’ll be vital for us for the run in”.