Clarets Mad - Clarets v Cherries, English Premier League Match Preview.
Clarets Mad - Clarets v Cherries, English Premier League Match Preview.
Venue: V-i-t-a-lity Stadium, Kings Park, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF.
Kick-off – 15.00 – Saturday 28th October 2023.
I wrote prior to the re-arranged Luton game, “If ever the term “six-pointer” applied to a game of Association Football this is the one.” I will now go so far and say this is the ultimate “real deal” crunch game relegation six pointer with two teams both desperate to collect three points.
It is entirely conceivable to claim that two managerial careers are on the line in the event of their team losing on Saturday. Cherries’ boss Andoni Iraola is under relentless pressure at present, he has just received the dreaded “Vote of confidence in our manager” statement from the Bournemouth owners Bill Foley & partnership coupling Black Knight FC.
Should the Clarets manage to pull the proverbial rabbit out of a hat with an away win it is almost impossible to consider Bournemouth’s US owner Bill Foley whose mantra "We will move forward with an 'always advance, never retreat' approach that has defined all my endeavours. I am committed to work with the best football and business minds available to enhance player development, facilities, and the fan experience to put AFC Bournemouth in the best possible position to succeed" will keep faith in Iraola.
Time will tell if Burnley Football Club’s American owners will keep faith in Vincent Kompany. A loss on Saturday for the Clarets could provide an early answer to that provocative question.
One’s to watch: Both of Saturdays protagonists are finding scoring goals a problem, the Clarets have bagged seven during this miserable EPL campaign, the Cherries have netted six. Lyle Foster for Burnley and top Cherry Dominic Solanki look the likeliest to break the deadlock in what is likely to be a low scoring and tense affair.
Verdict: A low scoring draw looks to be the obvious outcome to a game both teams would rather win. 0-0 or 1-1 is my prediction.
Footnote: I am taking my son to the game on Saturday in what will evolve into a 600-mile round trip by car. He reminds me that Burnley have won their last three away games against Bournemouth, all in the Premier League between the 2017-18 and 2019-20 campaigns. I am hoping against hope history will repeat itself. (TEC.)
Attachment 25070