AFC Bournemouth vs Swansea City at Stadion.Core.ViewModels.Matchday.LocationViewModel
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- 38
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Five point preview: Swansea
AFC Bournemouth head into a crunch game with Swansea City on Saturday with both teams looking to secure their Premier League survival.
The game at Vitality Stadium has plenty riding on it, so we took a look at the best stats and things you need to know ahead of the game, and put them into five points for you to assess.
SWANSEA RECORD
The Cherries have an excellent head to head record with the Swans, Eddie Howe's side are unbeaten against the Welsh outfit in the Premier League.
There have been three wins and two draws on those five occassions, with three consecutive clean sheets also accompanying the last three contests with the Swans.
In the Premier League, the club have only faced Leicester City more often without defeat in the Premier League - the unbeaten run against Leicester is six while with Swansea it's currently on five games.
DEFENSIVE APPROACH?
Boss Carlos Carvahal has labelled their position a 'miracle' as in December, they were five points adrift of safety.
Now, they have their fate in their own hands.
They head into the final three games of the season one point above the relegation zone, with this game as well as back-to-back home games against Southampton and Stoke City to come.
A good result would ensure that safety remains in their own control, but a draw or defeat could see them leapfrogged by Southampton - Carvahal has a dilemma, does he go for it and keep survival in their own grasp, or play safe and rely on the games against Stoke and Saints?
SWANS' PAST SIX
The form table doesn't make for good reading for Carlos Carvahal's side.
In the past six games, they've lost four and drawn two - picking up points against Everton and West Bromwich Albion.
The four defeats though, have come against Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur - so a tough run in to say the least!
KING IN FORM
Having netted three goals in his last five Premier League games, Joshua King is the most in-form Cherries players in terms of attacking returns.
His record against Swansea isn't too bad either, having scored three times against them in the Premier League so far.
The Norwegian netted his first ever Premier League goal for the Cherries against them to, back at the Liberty Stadium in 2015/16.
ONE TO WATCH
Jordan Ayew has impressed since Carvahal's appointment in December. Shifted to a central striker role, the Ghanaian has scored five goals since then and has had the most shots in that timeframe too.
He's also created 11 clear chances in that time, meaning he'll be the man Swansea look to for attacking inspiration.
Smith and Arter miss Swansea game
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe revealed that Adam Smith will not make the Swansea City game this weekend.
Smith has been missing since the West Bromwich Albion win in March, while Harry Arter will still be absent with an achilles injury.
The manager also added an update on Tyrone Mings, saying: "Harry Arter is still out, he missed last week through injury.
"Obviously Junior Stanislas is out and Adam Smith won't make this game.
"Tyrone Mings was on the bench against Southampton and we're pleased with him, he's training well and is fit - he's available for this weekend."
AFC Bournemouth v Swansea City
AFC Bournemouth welcome Swansea City to Vitality Stadium for the club's final home game of the 2017/18 season.
Here is a guide as to what is happening in and around Vitality Stadium ahead of kick off.
Supporters are reminded that everyone will be searched upon entering the stadium, so please do allow at least 45 minutes to get to your designated seat.
9am: South Stand Car Par opens
The club's South Stand Car Park is open for just £1 to all supporters. It does tend to fill up approximately 75 minutes before kick-off and there may be delays in excess of 30 minutes when leaving post-match. Please be aware, you can turn left out of this car park and right at the roundabout, which will bring you out via Gloucester Road in Boscombe.
Supporters will also be able to use Harewood College for parking, in Harewood Avenue from 12.30pm. Please use the street name rather than the college if using SatNav. This parking facility has the advantage of being away from the congestion around Kings Park, while only a short walk to Vitality Stadium, allowing easier access.
Available from 12.30pm, the car park will be manned by a steward until kick-off and is free to use. We respectfully ask that all visitors keep to the 10mph and then the 5mph speed limits.
Alternatively, the Sovereign Centre on Christchurch Road, which is also approximately ten minutes’ walk from the ground, is available for matchday parking for both Saturday and week night games. Parking fees cost just £2 for four hours and £4 for 24 hours.
There are parking restrictions on many roads close to the ground and the club asks all matchday visitors to please respect these and ensure access to drives and garages is maintained. Residents have direct access to parking enforcement officers on a matchday and so to avoid any issues or fines please respect their access.
9am: Ticket office opens
Tickets for the away fixture against Burnley are on general sale from 9am through to kick off. The ticket office will also be open for 20 minutes after the game.
9am: Superstore opens
The club's Superstore is open from 9am and we will be trading for 20 minutes after the game. The retail pod outside the Ted MacDougall Colmar South Stand will also be open at 12pm and after the game.
12pm: 1910 Bar opens
The club's 1910 Bar is open for home supporters and is located next to the press entrance in the Vitality Main Stand. Supporters are required to show their home ticket on entry.
Hot food is available in the bistro section of the 1910 Bar. The Bar does get busy, but below is an alternative…
12pm: The Great Escape Bar opens
The Great Escape Bar is open for business from 12pm, with last orders at 2.15pm. Situated between the Thistlebarrow Road entrance and the Superstore, it’s a great place to meet friends for a drink and a hot snack before entering the ground.
12pm: Food available
Our North Stand food kiosk opens at midday, should you want food away from the other areas.
12.30pm: Fanzone opens
Our Junior Fanzone is open for young supporters at 12.30pm. There’s plenty going on with an Xbox One, complete with FIFA18, table tennis tables and more.
12.30pm: Harewood Parking available
As mentioned above, Harewood Car Park opens at 12.30pm. Supporters will also be able to use Harewood College for parking, in Harewood Avenue from 12.30pm. Please use the street rather than the college if using SatNav.
This parking facility has the advantage of being away from the congestion around Kings Park, while only a short walk to Vitality Stadium, allowing easier access.
12.30pm: DC Lounge opens
The DC Lounge is open to both home and away disabled supporters pre-match. It is based on the ground floor and first floor in the East Stand for the use of disabled supporters only.
The lounge offers Sky/BT Sport TV, refreshment service and matchday quiz, and is a great opportunity for supporters to socialise before the match.
There is a lift available for supporters using the platform and two accessible toilets.
12.30pm: BU Big Band playing
The BU Big Band will be playing outside of the Superstore from 12.30pm.
1.30pm: Turnstiles open
Supporters can take their seats from 1.30pm and make the most of our pre-match combo. Choose from either a pie and pint for £5 (not available in the South Stand) or a pie and soft or hot drink for £4. Both are available up to 30 minutes before kick-off.
The Junior Cherries meal deal is priced at just £2.50. Simply show your Junior Cherries card at the food counter when ordering.
If you join us early, there’s also a prize draw with a signed Nathan Ake shirt on offer. You’ll automatically be entered once your ticket has been scanned.
1.45pm: Pre-match entertainment begins
Our Junior Cherries are taking over this matchday! Be sure to look out for our younger fans getting involved in a range of activities.
Make sure you are in your seats to see our latest Fans’ Champion place the matchball on the Premier League plinth just before kick-off.
3pm: Kick off
Our Premier League game against Swansea City gets underway!
Post-match
Eddie Howe, along with his players and staff, would like to thank you for your support throughout the 2017/18 season by holding a lap of appreciation on Saturday.
Following the final whistle of our last home game of the campaign, against Swansea City, the squad will briefly return to the dressing room before heading back onto the Vitality Stadium pitch, where they will show their gratitude for your backing.
Supporters are reminded that encroachment onto the pitch is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution as well as serious sanctions for the football club.
The club would like to thank its matchday sponsors, SMC Pneumatics, Joscelyne Builders, Pump Technology, Instant Refrigeration Services, MPH Merchant Plumbing & Heating Supplies, Premier Sports Solutions and Bluechip Financial Limited.
Supporters are reminded that AFC Bournemouth does not tolerate any abusive or discriminatory language or behaviour and fans are encouraged to contact a steward should they witness this. Alternatively, supporters can confidentially text the support number on 07968 980580 with details.
Ref watch: Friend in charge for Swans clash
Kevin Friend will be the man in the middle for Saturday’s fixture against Swansea at Vitality Stadium, the final home game for the Cherries this season.
He has taken charge of the Cherries twice this season, firstly for the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace in December, before officiating the 2-1 win over Arsenal in January.
However, this weekend will be the first time Friend has officiated the Swans this season in the Premier League, despite taking charge of 19 top flight games.
In those games, the 46-year-old has handed out 41 yellow cards and awarded eight penalties, but he has yet to show a red card in English football’s top flight this season.
On Saturday, Friend will be assisted by Adrian Holmes and Matthew Wilkes, with Anthony Taylor the fourth official.
Form
