Bournemouth – Stockport, English League One
2004-10-08 20.45 CET
Pick: Bournemouth
Stake: 3%
Odds: 1,70
Final reasons
Bournemouth has made some fine performances lately. They normally are a very good home side and with no new player worries we believe that they will make the process short with struggling Stockport. Stockport also misses two first team regulars. A comfortable home win is expected and we stake 3% on Bournemouth.
General comment about the game
Tonight Bournemouth will play host to Stockport in the English League One. Bournemouth is normally a very strong home side. However, so far this season they have mixed results at home; 2/2/1. The only defeat came against in form Colchester some weeks ago. We must bear in mind that it was their first match at home without their former captain Carl Fletcher after he left to join West Ham. Currently they reside in 16th place in the league which is worse than expected. However, we must also be aware of the fact that Bournemouth’s four defeats have come against top teams; team 1, 2, 4 and 5 in the league. Fortunately, the last couple of weeks have shown rising form and been promising. Two weeks ago in their last home match they played against newcomers Doncaster. The match was a real slaughter from the hosts and they won very comfortable with 5-0. Manager Sean O’Driscoll was very pleased with their performance and thought it was nearly perfect. Earlier that week they advanced in the League Cup after an impressive win over premiership side Blackburn. Last week they played on the road against relegation candidates Blackpool. Blackpool has played much better in the last rounds and did so also in that game. They had the lead twice but Bournemouth denied them all three points since the game ended 3-3. O’Driscoll was not satisfied with their defensive performance but was pleased to see their fighting spirit which eventually earned them a point. Blackpool manager was quite happy with a point since he believes that Bournemouth is a very good side and a point against them is good. We believe that these last games for Bournemouth has shown that they are a very capable side that soon will start to climb up the table and push for a playoff spot. Another good thing is that new striker Dani Rodrigues (6 apps, 3 goals) finally has found the net and has scored three goals in these games. Against Blackpool it was his wonder goal that set the final result. His partnership with proven star striker James Hayter (11 apps, 7 goals) is also becoming better and better. And with veteran striker Steve Fletcher knocking on the first team door again after his injuries it looks promising up front for Bournemouth. No new injury or suspension concerns in the team ahead of tonight’s clash. Still missing since pre season is defender Stephen Purches and midfielder Jason Tindall. Midfielder Marcus Browning (6(2) apps) is doubtful.
Struggling Stockport is currently at the bottom of the table. They have not found their play yet this season and it looks as if they will have to fight hard to avoid relegation. Also for Stockport the last couple of weeks have been slightly better than before. They won at home against League Two side Bury in the LDV Vans Trophy and have two straight draws in the league. Two weeks ago they made a battling performance away against Hull. The match was scrappy; Hull had most of the possession without threatening Stockport’s defence so the final goalless result was quite fair. Last week they played at home against Swindon and were 0-3 done after an hour. Only a miracle could salvage a point for Stockport in an amazing fight back. The Swindon manager was furious after the game and blamed his players for their worst appearances for the season. He thought they played awful against an awful side. Stockport manager Sammy McIllroy praised his side for their character which earned them a valuable point. Stockport will miss injured midfielder Mark Robertson (9 apps) and on international duty with Northern Ireland defender Danny Griffin (3 apps). Both have been present in their last three undefeated games so missing them will be a blow.
Recent league games for home team
|
2004-10-02 |
Blackpool-Bournemouth |
3-3 |
|
2004-09-25 |
Bournemouth-Doncaster |
5-0 |
|
2004-09-18 |
Sheffield W-Bournemouth |
0-1 |
|
2004-09-11 |
Bournemouth-Colchester |
1-3 |
|
2004-09-04 |
Brentford-Bournemouth |
2-1 |
Recent league games for away team
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2004-10-02 |
Stockport-Swindon |
3-3 |
|
2004-09-25 |
Hull-Stockport |
0-0 |
|
2004-09-18 |
Stockport-Luton |
1-3 |
|
2004-09-11 |
Bristol C-Stockport |
5-0 |
|
2004-09-04 |
Stockport-Torquay |
0-2 |
Home table
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Bournemouth |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
11-7 |
8 |
Away table
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Stockport |
5 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
6-11 |
4 |
Links for this game
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Stockport: |
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// SportsObserver 041008
