Halfway Stage Of The Season
Following AFCB’s disappointing result against a well organised Blackburn Rovers side at Dean Court, the next game is a Saturday lunchtime (12.30 pm) game up in the North East against Middlesbrough. This the 23rd game and the halfway stage of the season and is being shown live on Sky. The Cherries have made a very good start to this season and up to the 6th November had won 12 games, drawn 4 and lost just 1 game. After a 15 day break with the international break they lost their next game away at Derby and since then have had mixed results with 3 draws and the recent defeat at home. AFCB will want to reverse that trend in their next game at Middlesbrough and try and get back on a winning run, but that may be difficult as so far they haven’t won a single game there.
Middlesbrough started the season with Neil Warnock in charge right up until the 7th November before the international break. His side had won 6 games, drawn 4 and lost 7, after 17 games they were 14th in the table with 22 points. Warnock was immediately replaced by the former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. So far in his five games in charge, his side have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 1, with his side after 22 games in 9th place on 30 points. In the Summer Middlesbrough signed a good number of players.
In their 11 home games, Middlesbrough have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 4. The wins were 2-1 against Bristol City, three results of 2-0, against Sheffield United, Peterborough United and Barnsley. In their last home game, 1-0 against Swansea City. Drawn 1-1 with both Blackburn Rovers and Millwall. The defeats were 2-3 against QPR, 1-2 Blackpool, 0-2 Birmingham City and 1-2 Preston. Away from home they have won 3, drawn 4 and lost 4.
The last time AFCB visited Middlesbrough, was September last year, the Cherries took the lead through Dominic Solanke in the first half and Middlesbrough equalised in the 81st minute through Marcus Browne, the game ended 1-1.
In all league games away against Middlesbrough, AFCB have W 0, D 3, L 5.
All competitions, AFCB have W 5, D 8, L 7.
Middlesbrough Team News
They have a number of players carrying injuries, including their leading scorer Matt Crooks. Duncan Watmore and Isaiah Jones.
Middlesbrough Player To Watch
If he plays, leading scorer Matt Crooks. Another important player is Patrick McNair.
AFCB Team News
Jefferson Lerma misses the game because of suspension. Philip Billing missed our last game through injury as did Adam Smith after his recent return. Probably too soon for Junior Stanislas and Jordan Zemura. Also a doubt over Steve Cook who also had a calf problem.
AFCB Player To Watch
I keep mentioning Dominic Solanke, but where he was scoring regularly at home, in his last two home games he has failed to find the net. On the other hand he has now scored in our last five away games. We shouldn’t ignore the influence of Lloyd Kelly on the game, before the Preston defeat, our side won 6 games before his injury. Since he has been out injured, our team have drawn 3 games and lost two.
