AFC Bournemouth will be looking to bounce back after back-to-back games without scoring in the Premier league as they play Watford this Saturday.
Despite drawing to 19th place Norwich City last week, the Cherries were able to keep their first clean sheet of the season and will be hoping to continue their defensive form.
Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe told Buzz: “Of course every game is an opportunity to get our first away clean sheet but there’s no guarantees, this is going to be a difficult game for us.”
Howe then added: “Watford historically have always had very good attacking players, so we’re going into the game thinking we have to be at our very best to win.”
Bournemouth currently sit at 10th in the Premier League, after having had a strong start to the season and will be hoping to grab 3 points against Watford, in hopes to stay in the top half of the table.
Facing the bottom of the league
Watford have had a terrible start to their 2019/20 campaign and are still waiting for their first win, 9 games into the Premier League season.
Since manager Quique Sanchez Flores’ return to the Hornets in September, they have conceded 13 goals in 4 Premier League games and have the worst goal difference in the league.
Despite this, Eddie Howe insists Bournemouth won’t be complacent in the match, saying: “We’ve played Watford many times and know they’ve got very good individual players, we know this is going to be a tough game.
This isn’t in a game where you look at the league table. It’s so early in the season – forget the league table just play the opposition and be at our best.”
Aaron Ramsdale’s new contract
AFC Bournemouth’s first choice Goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale signed a new contract earlier this week, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2024.
Eddie Howe commented on the new contract, saying: “I’m really pleased for Aaron, I think he’s had a really good start to the season and I think it was important from our side that we rewarded that form.”
The 21-year-old England International enjoyed his first clean sheet of the season last weekend against Norwich and will be looking to continue that form against Watford this Saturday.
Howe continued: “It’s the start of a long journey for him, this is only the beginning, but he’s made such an impressive start in many different ways and we certainly hope that continues.”
Team News
According to Eddie Howe, the team will not be too dissimilar to last week’s fixture against Norwich City.
Jefferson Lerma has come through training positively and should be fit for Saturday’s match.
David Brooks – Closer to a return and back on the grass, back on the grass but not yet back to first team training.
Dan Gosling – In a similar position to Brooks and is gradually recovering.
Junior Stanislas – Still far from full recovery.
Watford v AFC Bournemouth will take place on Saturday 26th October at 3.00pm at Vicarage Road.
By Rob Cooke.
Cup heartbreak for Dolphins as Hayes steal five goal replay