AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth will be hoping to give returning supporters something to cheer when they host Championship rivals Huddersfield Town on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Some fans will be allowed to watch the Cherries in action for the first time since before the first lockdown, ending an absence of 287 days due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Huddersfield arrive at Vitality Stadium on the back of successive home wins over QPR (2-0) and Sheffield Wednesday (2-0).
Victory over the Owls on Tuesday came courtesy of Josh Koroma’s sixth goal of the season and an Isaac Mbenza free-kick as the Terriers made it three home wins on the spin.
Carlos Corberan’s team have won on their travels at Swansea (2-1) and Millwall (3-0) as well as drawing at Rotherham (1-1) and Wycombe (0-0).
Ahead of the clash, afcb.co.uk caught up with Ricky Charlesworth who covers the fortunes of Huddersfield for Yorkshire Live.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN IN PROFILE
Head coach: Carlos Corberan (July 2020)
Club captain: Christopher Schindler
Last game: Huddersfield Town 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday (Championship)
Leading goalscorer 2020/21: Josh Koroma (six in Championship)
League position: 12th
Past six league results: LDWLWW
afcb.co.uk: How has the season gone so far for Town?
RC: They've slowly got better as the season has progressed under Carlos Corberan (pictured above).
Their home form has been great in the past few weeks and the win over Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday was a culmination of that.
They did what they had to do inside the first 45 minutes and then controlled the game.
That sealed three consecutive home wins for the first time in almost four years!
They are within arms length of the play-offs which I'm not sure anyone really expected at this juncture.
afcb.co.uk: How have things changed under Carlos Corberan’s stewardship?
RC: The style of play was always going to take time for the players to adapt to, hence them losing their first three competitive games.
Since then it has been interesting to see the side adopt the new approach, with a focus on pressing and intricate passes.
The key is, of course, combining an attractive style with getting results. To this end, Town are improving all the time.
afcb.co.uk: How is Tommy Elphick (pictured above) progressing with his rehabilitation following his ACL injury?
RC: He's been out for 13 months now and I actually asked Corberan about Elphick earlier this week.
He said he was continuing to work with the medical team so don't expect to see him any time soon.
It sounds like it's still a long way back for the veteran. His leadership skills would be missed by any side at this level.
afcb.co.uk: Josh Koroma has scored six times in 12 games – tell us a little about him?
RC: He's one of a number of players who Corberan has given a fresh start to - and he's thriving in the new environment.
He was used sparingly last term in his first season with Town and spent the second half of the season at Rotherham.
He actually only played five games for them due to the Covid-enforced early finish to League One.
But he's come straight into the side under Corberan and is a pacy winger.
He links up extremely well with Harry Toffolo down the flank and so it was a huge blow when he hobbled off midweek against Wednesday.
afcb.co.uk: Apart from Josh Koroma (providing he’s fit), who is Town’s one to watch?
RC: The news doesn't sound good on Koroma but if he doesn't make it then the Cherries will need to keep a close eye on the opposite wing.
Isaac Mbenza (pictured above) is another player enjoying a new lease of life under Corberan.
He too spent the second half of last term out on loan but has returned full of energy.
He netted midweek too, with a sumptuous free-kick to make it 2-0.
He scored one against Birmingham earlier in the season too, so you've been warned!
afcb.co.uk: Are any players either injured or suspended against the Cherries
RC: Club skipper Christopher Schindler (pictured above) is awaiting the results of a second scan on his knee. It looks like it could keep him out long term, which is a blow.
Koroma and Jonathan Hogg both went off injured in midweek with Corberan more hopeful Hogg will return.
Richard Stearman and Elphick are another two players who definitely miss out.
afcb.co.uk: What’s your score prediction?
RC: Town have impressed in recent weeks but the hosts may just have too much for them. I'm going for a 2-1 home win.
You can follow Ricky on Twitter – @Ricky_C90
Officials: Oliver Langford (referee), Adrian Waters (assistant), Ian Cooper (assistant), Lee Collins (fourth official).
