AFC Bournemouth
Manager Alan Connell will prepare his AFC Bournemouth development squad to face “a dynamic team” when they lock horns with QPR on Monday.
The Cherries meet the Londoners at Hanwell Town’s Powerday Stadium bidding to climb above them and into top spot in Group South of the Professional Development League (7pm kick-off).
QPR, who have played a game more than the Cherries, have a one-point lead at the summit and are also the division’s leading goalscorers with 29 in 11 matches.
The Cherries head to the capital looking to extend their ten-match unbeaten run in all competitions, the sequence including no fewer than nine wins.
Previewing the contest, Connell, whose team have won their past five games, told afcb.co.uk: “It’s going to be a tough game.
“QPR always produce good players. I’ve managed against their under-21s and under-18s and we can expect a dynamic team with quality individuals.
“They are in really good form at the moment. They are the team above us and we want to overtake them.
“We’re expecting a difficult game but an exciting one. These are the challenges we want our players to experience and it should make for a good game.”
The Cherries turned on the style to make it ten unbeaten by triumph 4-1 against Havant & Waterlooville in the Servio Hampshire Men’s Senior Cup on Wednesday.
Connell added: “We’re on a good run and momentum is so difficult to gain in football because it’s such a competitive sport. There are so many good teams with good players.
“The momentum we have is really pleasing but we all know there’s always that big challenge around the corner, that setback.
“We’ve got to make sure we go there in a really professional manner and full of confidence but knowing we’re up against a tough opponent.
“Hopefully, it will be our day and I’m excited by the challenge QPR will bring. That little bit extra with it being the top two in the league will help make it a really good experience for the players.”
Click here to buy tickets for the Cherries' Professional Development League meeting with Ipswich Town at Vitality Stadium on Tuesday 5th December (7pm kick-off).