AFC BOURNEMOUTH: Where will Adam Smith start and what’s up with Wilson?

By Tales From The South End - December, 13th 2016

The euphoria of beating Liverpool was soon forgotten as the Cherries couldn’t muster another late comeback against Burnley. Charlie Daniels late goal briefly raised hopes but there was to be no hero this time out. As Mr Eddie Howe so succintly put it it was too little too late.

Every time a team loses there is always closer scruntiny from the fans and the media (do we care about the media?). If you win the result helps gloss over the performance and two months down the line most can’t remember the game but can always remember the score.

The Cherries played well in spells on Saturday but Eddie’s insistence of squeezing Adam Smith into the team, for us, is to the detriment of the first XI. He had a poor game against Liverpool and a quiet game against Burnley. Why? Because he’s not a left-back or a right midfielder, he’s a right back and that’s where he should play.

THE LINE-UP WE’D LIKE TO SEE AGAINST LEICESTER

Sticking Smith at right-back immediately adds potency back to the right side of the team. Francis can go back into the middle with Cook and Daniels stay on the left. What about the last member of the back five Mr Boruc? Since his comeback from injury he has reverted to type. We say give Federici a chance.

What about Nathan Ake I hear you ask. His arrival in the team has proved how good he can be. It’s hard to justifiably leave him out. We would put him in the holding midfield role allowing him to drop back into defence when needed. Against Leicester’s counter-attacking capabilities an extra man might well prove to be the difference between points and no points.

Fraser has simply been too good to be dropped and the same for Wilshire. He’s had a rest, get him back in the squad. Ibe has yet to ignite so we would give King the opportunity to use his power and pace. As the game wears on bring on Ibe to take on a tiring defence.

Finally, up front, something isn’t quite right with Wilson, he sort of looks the part, running the channels, but is struggling to get shots on goal, struggling to score. Give him a rest and start with Afobe, who has looked sharp in the last few games. He is not as clinical as Wlison, and if he doesn’t score get Wilson on for the last 20 minutes.

Don’t know what you think, but some players just aren’t performing and Eddie needs to give others a chance. Let’s see what happens agsainst Leicester.