AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth will be hoping to follow up their win over Watford with another victory when they visit Championship rivals Bristol City on Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off).
Arnaut Danjuma’s finely-taken goal saw the Cherries triumph 1-0 against the Hornets – with the Robins winning their first match under new boss Nigel Pearson on Saturday.
Despite going behind to Andre Ayew’s penalty for Swansea at the Liberty Stadium, Pearson’s team prevailed 3-1 thanks to goals from Nahki Wells, Kasey Palmer and Antoine Semenyo.
Pearson, who won the Championship with Leicester in 2013/14, replaced Dean Holden after he parted company with Bristol City following their 2-0 defeat by Reading on 16th February.
Holden left having presided over six defeats on the trot with a seventh – at home to Barnsley on 20th February – seeing the Robins slip to 15th place in the table.
Pearson was in the stands as City arrested the slide with an impressive 3-1 win at Middlesbrough on 23rd February before taking the reins for the first time at Swansea.
Ahead of the clash, afcb.co.uk caught up with Richard Hoskin who covers the fortunes of the Robins for BBC Radio Bristol.
BRISTOL CITY IN PROFILE
Manager: Nigel Pearson (appointed February 2021)
Club captain: Tomas Kalas (pictured above)
Last game: Swansea City 1-3 Bristol City (Championship)
Leading league goalscorer 2020/21: Famara Diedhiou (10 in all competitions)
League position: 11th
Past six league results: LLLLWW
afcb.co.uk: Give us your thoughts on Nigel Pearson’s appointment as manager?
RH: The reaction from supporters has been very positive. He’s one of the more high-profile appointments in Steve Lansdown’s time at the club.
Nigel Pearson (pictured below) has only been at the club a week, but already he’s making an impression.
His tactical decisions at Swansea helped turn the game around in Bristol City’s favour. I think fans are already hoping his initial short-term deal is extended.
afcb.co.uk: What did you make of Dean Holden’s tenure?
RH: He was very unlucky, with a long list of injuries.
City actually started the season really well and were hovering around the play-off zone until a seven-game losing run in league and cup saw the club part company with him.
He’s been at the club for several years, first working with Lee Johnson and then as head coach in the summer – so City fans will wish him really well moving forward as will I, as he was one of the nicest and most sincere persons I have had the pleasure of working with.
afcb.co.uk: Could you have predicted back-to-back away wins this time last week?
RH: Not really, no!
City have really struggled to create chances in recent games – I think it was only four shots on target in four games going into Middlesbrough, so it was a pleasant surprise when they scored three goals in 16 minutes.
That, coupled by another 3-1 win at Swansea, shows what this squad is capable of when they play to their true potential and with confidence.
afcb.co.uk: How would you describe goalkeeper Daniel Bentley’s performance against Swansea?
RH: He kept City in the game, especially in the first half. It was in keeping with his form since September.
He’s been one of Bristol City’s stand-out players and is a contender for the player of the season.
afcb.co.uk: Famara Diedhiou (pictured below) currently leads the scoring charts – tell us a little about him?
RH: He’s out of contract in the summer and supporters are hoping he’ll eventually sign a new deal.
He always gets into double figures each and every season. He’s also a key player defending opposition set-pieces in his own penalty area.
afcb.co.uk: Who is City’s one to watch?
RH: With all their injuries this season, this has been the year for younger players to get their chance.
Ryley Towler, Zak Vyner, Tyreeq Bakinson and Antoine Semenyo to name but a few.
In terms of players to watch, don’t be surprised if Nahki Wells (pictured below) keeps up his recent revival in front of goal, alongside the man we just talked about Famara Diedhiou.
afcb.co.uk: Are any first-choice players either injured or suspended against the Cherries?
RH: Where do I start?
City have one of the biggest injury lists in the Championship, but Nigel Pearson has already made it clear that he won’t use that as an excuse.
For the record – players currently missing include Joe Williams, Liam Walsh, Nathan Baker, Andreas Weimann, Tommy Rowe, Jay Dasilva, Callum O’Dowda and Chris Martin.
I’m also assuming the likes of Jamie Paterson and Henri Lansbury won’t be fit to face Bournemouth.
afcb.co.uk: What’s your score prediction?
RH: The heart says Bristol City will continue their good start under Nigel Pearson with another 3-1 victory.
The head is leaning towards a 1-1 draw – so we’ll have to see come Wednesday night!
You can follow BBC Bristol Sport on Twitter – @bbcbristolsport
Officials: Simon Hooper (referee), Mark Scholes (assistant), Daniel Robathan (assistant), John Brooks (fourth official).
