Bournemouth welcome Boreham Wood banana skin
Bournemouth host Boreham Wood, of the National League, for a place in the last 16 of the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Cherries have fallen away from the automatic promotion picture in recent weeks, but capped a sensational Deadline Day in luring Todd Cantwell, Freddie Woodman, Nathaniel Phillips, Siriki Dembele and Kieffer Moore all to the Vitality Stadium.
Scott Parker will have no excuses if his side are unable to clinch a top two position this season due to that investment and faith, compared to the other sides around them in the division.
Naturally, the Cherries are enormous favourites for this encounter but the Wood will be confident they can compete and look likely to take their promotion bid deep into the season in the fifth tier.
Background
Bournemouth were 3-1 winners at Yeovil Town in the third round and put out a rotated side.
However, such is the strength of the squad at Parker’s disposal, he is able to shuffle his pack and not see a drop-off in quality of the personnel on the pitch.
Emiliano Marcondes scored a hat-trick in the last round, while Jamal Lowe, Morgan Rogers and Jaidon Anthony also started the game.
This match could be seen as a nice distraction to fuel some belief and confidence in their attacking play, of which has not been anywhere near as incisive and imaginative in the last month or so.
The Wood defeated AFC Wimbledon, of League One, 2-0 in the last round and will be relishing their trip to the South Coast.
Luke Garrard has gained a lot of admirers in the last year or so and will believe he can manage the club in the Football League at some stage.
Goals?
Hard to call before the team news, although an unders play does seem a little more appealing.
Bournemouth have scored in seven of ten.
Bournemouth have conceded in seven of ten.
Bournemouth have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Bournemouth have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Wood have scored in nine of ten.
Wood have conceded in four of ten.
Wood have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Wood have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
The Cherries can use this game as a springboard for the coming weeks, the Wood will certainly give a strong account of themselves though to keep it competitive for as long as possible.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
What an incredible FA Cup fourth round weekend. Boreham Wood stun Bournemouth, 0-1.