Written by Oliver Ferris (@OllieFerris12)
Jason Tindall insisted that he is “confident” that his side will put in a strong performance tomorrow night, despite their recent slump.
AFC Bournemouth play host to Crawley Town in the 4th round of the FA Cup during a period in which Jason Tindall would have been expecting more from his players.
The Cherries are undoubtedly the favourites heading into the tie with the visitors 12th placed in League 2 of the EFL, but Tindall admitted that he is still expecting a “tough” battle.
“We can’t treat Crawley lightly because we have seen what they are capable of.
“They’ll come here and give everything, and we need to make sure we deliver a performance that gets us in the next round.”
Crawley were responsible for a typical magic of the cup moment having strongly seen off Premier League side Leeds United in what appeared to be a dominant 3-0 victory in the previous round.
The visitors travel to the Vitality stadium not just with this accolade, but also with a large amount of confidence as they look to continue their 10-game unbeaten streak.
“They’re 10 games unbeaten, full of confidence and they’ll be coming here with nothing to lose.” Tindall expressed.
The fixture, originally scheduled for today, has been moved to tomorrow night as a result of a significant number of positive tests in the League 2 side’s camp.
Yesterday six more positive tests were returned from players and staff, but the FA have been able to confirm today the fixture will go ahead as now scheduled.
Speaking on the subject, Tindall said: “It only becomes a concern when our players are in danger of picking up anything. I’m sure everything will be in place to keep our players safe.
“You like to think the people involved in the fixture taking place have done the right thing and everyone is safe and healthy.”
Having won only two out of their previous five games, the Cherries’ strong performances and ruthlessness in front of goal from the first half of the season have deteriorated, which will put added pressure on this difficult tie for Tindall and co.
The recent lost to Derby was the second game in a row that the misfiring Cherries have failed to score.
“We were down and disappointed after the Derby game as you would expect.
“We were below our standards of what we expect.” Tindall stated.
Talking on the lack of goals in recent matches, Tindall added: “We will continue to make the chances.
“I have been happy with what I have seen on the training pitch and I’m confident we’ll get back to our attacking best.”
The fixture may prove to be an emotional one for Crawley manager John Yems, having departed from the coaching staff at AFC Bournemouth in 2018.
In recent times, he has voiced his dissatisfaction in the way the club parted ways with him following just over six years under Eddie Howe.
Speaking on the subject of John Yems, Tindall said: “I’ve got a good relationship with Johnny Yems.
“You can see the experience he has in football and how now he is using that experience for Crawley to be in the position they are.
“He’s always been good to me, he was very helpful when I first came back to the football club with the knowledge and experience he had, and how he helped us during those times and I’m just pleased at how well he’s gone on to do with Crawley.” he added.
Looking ahead to the game tomorrow night, despite the poor form, Tindall remained “confident” that his side were able to go out under the floodlights and put in a performance worthy of beating Crawley and to reach the 5th round of the prestigious cup for the first time since 2016.
Tindall voiced: “We’ve had really good days on the training ground which breathes confidence.
“The players have worked extremely hard and I’m happy with what I’ve seen.
“They’re itching to get back out there, I am confident the team selected will go out there and deliver a good performance.”
In team news, both Philip Billing and Rodrigo Riquelme look to return to the matchday squad having both recovered from minor hamstring issues.
Tindall expressed that both players had been training well and are ‘raring’ to go if selected in the squad.
Bournemouth take on Crawley at the Vitality stadium on the 26th January at 7pm.