Championship Midweek Preview

AFC Bournemouth v Reading

grabs-goal-4-3234-1295214_478x359The rise of AFC Bournemouth is more suited to the film screen than the world of football, but the final act is still wide open in the tale of the 2013-14 season. I had my reservations about talk of the play offs being achievable prior to the game against Q.P.R., now I will go as far to say that a 100% record between now and the end of the season is needed and the way the Cherries are playing that is not impossible. The praise from opposing boss Harry Redknapp only strengthens this view. Playing against ten man Bournemouth for 20 minutes he admitted that the Dorset outfit were too difficult to break down and are a talented group. The strength of this group comes from the fact that there is no single star player, no player is bigger than the club. As Eddie Howe said every player has a part to play and as Reading boss Nigel Adkins said in his time at Southampton, “together as one”. In saying this there is one player grabbing the headlines and that is 20 goal Lewis Grabban who now has five goals in goal games. The Cherries top scorer is this game’s key man.

Reading are enjoying trips around the Championship of late. Whilst they have not won at the Madejski in six games they have won five and drawn one of their last six games on the road. On Saturday they struggled to break down the Charlton side that has improved under Jose Riga, however the returning Danny Guthrie from suspension proved the difference when his long run from his own half laid the ball on a plate for Danny Williams to fire home. Reading have their fate in their own hands with a five point lead from the chasing pack and a win against the league’s in form side will end their hopes of making the play offs.

Previous meeting: 2-1 Bournemouth win

Match odds: Bournemouth Evens   Draw 5/2   Reading 13/5

Score prediction: 2-1 Bournemouth win

Previous Article

The 5 Most Underrated Players in the Championship

Next Article

Sheffield United 1-1 Leyton Orient - Player Ratings

Related Posts