Head2Head & Team News - Bournemouth (A)
Last updated : 12 January 2006 By Deano
The Cherries sit in ninth place and will be looking to push into the play-off pack whilst the Millers try to rid themselves of relegation worries.
The two sides will be hoping for a crucial three points, history certainly favours the home side though. Bournemouth have won nine of the 15 encounters on their own patch, with the Millers looking for only their third win ever at the now re-developed Dean Court. However the last time the sides met was in Rotherham's 2000/01 promotion season when they achieved the double. Kevin Watson's free-kick sealed a 1-0 win and the return at Millmoor saw them record 3-1 win, with James Hayter netting Bournemouth's consolation late on.
That leads us nicely onto this weekend's game, as Hayter lines up for the Cherries after turning down a move to Huddersfield this week. They are however faced with a couple of injury worries. The main absentee is Stephen Cooke who hasn't figured since before Christmas, although he's returned to light training. Despite other niggles, boss Sean O'Driscoll is set to be boosted by the return of Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall and veteran forward Steve Fletcher.
The Millers are grateful for the return of key players who sat out Tuesday's draw with Port Vale due to suspension. Lee Williamson, Paul McLaren, Shaun Barker and Martin Butler are all available again with three of the quartet set to go straight back into the starting line up. Goal shy Martin Butler may have to settle for warming the bench if Alan Knill decides to continue with his youthful strike partnership of Will Hoskins and new recruit Jonathan Forte.
The trip comes too early for Phil Gilchrist and Scott Minto who are probably out of contention and Michael Keane starts his four game ban after his red card on Tuesday night.
MillersMad prediction: tough looking trip and although in need of the points, we can only see a draw at best unfortunately. 1-1
