Coach Alan Connell is anticipating “a really entertaining game” when AFC Bournemouth lock horns with Oxford United in an EFL Youth Alliance top-of-the-table clash tomorrow.
The Cherries, who currently occupy pole position in the South West Division, host second-placed Oxford at Canford Arena (11am kick-off).
Although Connell’s team have a game in hand on their opponents, only goal difference separates them, with the title rivals locked on 29 points.
Oxford, beaten by the Cherries in last season’s FA Youth Cup, are one of only two teams to have defeated them in the league in 2019/20, running out 2-1 winners in September.
The Cherries go into the contest on the back of a resounding 4-0 win at Newport County six days ago where Harvey Bertrand, Jack Wadham, Khavarn Williams and Luke Pardoe were on target.
Previewing the game, Connell, who has one or two injury concerns ahead of the clash, told afcb.co.uk: “We are looking forward to welcoming Oxford. We always have good, competitive games against them.
“They are a good side with some good individuals so it will be a good test for us. It has all the makings of being a really entertaining game.
“I have been pleased with training this week and the players have been very bright. I am hoping we can carry some of the things we have worked on into the game.
“I also want them to try to build on last week’s performance at Newport County which was very positive.”
The Cherries, who have won nine of their 13 league games, have a busy games schedule over the next few weeks.
Following the visit of Oxford, they host Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Youth Alliance on November 30th before welcoming Exeter City to Canford Arena on Tuesday 3rd December.
They host the Pilgrims in the quarter-final of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup on Saturday 7th December before meeting Barnet in the third round of the FA Youth Cup at Vitality Stadium on Wednesday 11th December.
