Scott Parker warns that AFC Bournemouth should be “under no illusions” that Saturday’s lunchtime kickoff vs Luton Town at Kenilworth Road will be an easy game.
Speaking in his press conference yesterday, Parker spoke highly of Luton, referring to them as a “dangerous animal.”
“They’re a good side [and] physically they’re aggressive.
“[It’s] also with the way they play by committing men into the box.”
The Cherries have won three games on the bounce after experiencing a poor run of form that saw them winless in seven, picking up just three points at what was a pivotal stage in the Championship season.
Despite the bad form at the end of the year, the Cherries finished the year at the summit of the Championship following a resounding 3-0 win over Cardiff City.
They ran out 2-1 winners over Luton in the reverse fixture in September, a game which Parker referred to as “close.”
He added:“It was a close game to be honest, they started the game very well and probably should’ve scored,
“We asserted our authority, but the longer the game went on they certainly came into the game”
Dominic Solanke and Philip Billing put the South Coast side 2-0 up before half time in that game, before a Lloyd Kelly own goal led to a nervy final 30 minutes.
They will however be without young full back Jordan Zemura, after her linked up with the Zimbabwe squad at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Parker had plenty of praise for him following the callup and added:“[It’s] big for Jordan, a young player that has really only broke through this season and is still only learning the ropes.
“He’s done incredibly well for us.
He’s still very young in his years so any experiences he can get are invaluable.”
Loan signing Ethan Laird will also be unavailable for the Cherries after Parker confirmed he arrived with a little bit of an “issue” but it isn’t “too serious.”
Parker also confirmed new signing James Hill and club stalwarts Adam Smith and Junior Stanislas would not be available.
Luton Town v AFC Bournemouth can be watched live on Sky Sports Football at 12:30pm tomorrow, with match coverage beginning at 12pm.
Police Appeal following Christchurch collision fatality