Bournemouth stagnant and COVID issues at QPR – two teams hamstrung in fortunes go to battle

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‘It’s a marathon, not a sprint,’ is an analogy that could describe where Bournemouth have gone wrong recently.

A blistering start to the campaign saw the Cherries fire up to the top of the league. However, a poor run of form has seen them only manage to pick up three points from their last six league games as their winless run continues.

On Monday, Bournemouth travel to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in search of a crucial three points. Despite recent results, the Cherries still hold the best away record in the division while their opponents, QPR, have the sixth-best home record.

With that being said, a win is a must for Scott Parker’s side as in-form Blackburn Rovers are now breathing down their neck and are just one point behind them. This run may give manager Parker food for thought heading into the January transfer window next week as reinforcements may be needed.

AFC Bournemouth correspondent for Dorset Live, Jacob Tanswell, doesn’t foresee an influx of players next month, but insists it will be an important period for the club nonetheless.

“They haven’t got lots of money, where they can go out and spend. They have got a lot of squad depth anyway, so it’s not a case of needing many players. 

“Scott Parker will probably want another striker because 80% of the goals they’ve scored have come through three players – Jaidon Anthony, Dominic Solanke and Phillip Billing. If one of them gets injured, in particular Solanke, the goals will dry up. They are starting to show signs of that now.

“I think the January transfer window will be more of a case of keeping hold of their players, which is quite unfortunate for Parker.”

First reported by Dorset Live, Scott Parker’s side have been linked with Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun in recent weeks whilst Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman has again been mentioned following transfer talk in the summer.

QPR’s recent six-match unbeaten streak was brought to a halt last time out against Stoke City as the R’s were beaten 2-0. Interestingly, heading into the fixture, Mark Warburton’s side have been heavily linked with Bournemouth’s club captain Steve Cook. The 30-year-old defender has barely featured this season under Parker, starting just three league games.

The Hoops, who have the intention of cementing their place in the play-off picture, will feel they have enough quality in their ranks to get something out of the game, following their recent surge up the league.

Ben Kosky, a freelance journalist, QPR match programme editor as well as the author of Are you Rangers in Disguise?, has been encouraged by what he’s seen so far this season. 

“If you look at the past year in particular, this time last year, the team were looking over their shoulder and worrying about how they were going to get away from the relegation zone. That has turned around completely in the past 12 months. 

“Mark Warburton has managed to get the best out of players. He’s stuck to a system which has worked by and large and he’s kept a level head when there’s been the odd setback.

“It’s been a pleasant change to have the team competing at the top end of the table. There’s a lot of confidence that this squad is good enough to compete with most teams in the league.

“Until recently, they had scored in every game and had tightened up defensively since the start of the season. So far, so good would sum it up.”

In the reverse fixture back in Septemeber, a clinical performance from Bournemouth saw them come away with the three points as goals from Anthony and Solanke wrapped up a 2-1 win for the South Coast side. 

Speaking ahead of the game, Cherries boss Parker admitted his side have to be on their game if they are to leave London with three points.

“They’re a really good side. Mark [Warburton] has done a fantastic job. He’s got some real good quality, some good individual players.

“The last time we played them here they maybe felt a little bit unjust that they didn’t get something out of that game and I could see why and understand why. I thought we were very good at times, we started the game really well and then obviously, at times QPR showed their quality as well. 

“So I think we all understand, you can tell where they are in the division. They’ve won games and they’re right around it. This is going to be a very difficult game for us. We understand that so we’re in for a tough game.”

Team News

QPR boss Warburton revealed Moses Odubajo, Lyndon Dykes, Lee Wallace and Jordy De Wijs will all return in “dribs and drabs” over the coming weeks.

Additionally, winger Albert Adomah should be back available for the Bournemouth clash after completing his COVID-19 isolation period.

Bournemouth have no new injury concerns ahead of their trip to the capital and manager Parker will have midfielder Jefferson Lerma back at his disposal following his three-match suspension. 

Meanwhile, defender Adam Smith has recently undergone successful knee surgery which will see him ruled out of action until next year.

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