Lloyd Kelly puts loyalties aside as he prepares to face boyhood club

Bournemouth are back in action tomorrow night following their 1-1 draw at Watford as they welcome 2nd place Bristol City to the Vitality Stadium.

Both sides have made strong starts to the season, losing a combined one game in the opening seven round of matches so far.

A late equaliser from defender Chris Mepham at the weekend kept Bournemouth’s run going, and Jason Tindal’s side will once more be tested as they face a Robins side who have tasted defeat just once this season.

This is the first competitive meeting between the sides since 2006, when they played out a 2-2 draw at Ashton Gate.

There have been 22 meetings between the two clubs, the Robins shade the head to head record, winning nine of the meetings with eight draws and five wins for the Cherries.

A win over Dean Holden’s side would see Bournemouth move above their opponents and, if results go their way elsewhere, it could even see them rise into the automatic promotion places, behind Reading.

Defender Lloyd Kelly returned to the side at the weekend in the draw to Watford and, despite knowing a number of players in the Robins’ ranks, he is keen to ensure that he completes the job on the field for his current side.

“Bristol holds a special place in my heart and for my growth as a footballer so I wanted to make sure I was available for the game, Kelly told the AFCB website.

“Both teams have had a good start to the season. They have had fair bit of change with their team and like us, with the manager.

“I want them to do well but my loyalties lie with Bournemouth now and all my focus is here. The first thought in my mind is can we do well and push for promotion.”

The visitors come into the clash on the back of a hard fought 1-1 draw at home to Swansea City and will provide a stern test this weekend.

Striker Josh King made his first start for the club since the end of September in the draw at Watford and his return to the side is timely one with the games coming thick and fast in the unforgiving league which the Championship is.

Something has got to give in this game with Bournemouth unbeaten at home, collecting seven points, while Bristol City also have picked up seven points on there travels so far, setting it up for a cracking game tomorrow evening.

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