Preview: Bournemouth vs. Huddersfield Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Bournemouth play host to Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon looking for the victory which would keep them in the top two of the Championship standings.

However, they face opponents in Huddersfield who have won three of their last four matches, a run which has taken them into 12th position.

Match preview

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Jason Tindall was left somewhat frustrated that Bournemouth only recorded a goalless draw at promotion rivals Swansea City on Tuesday night.

Nevertheless, it was a result which kept the Cherries above the Welsh side in the table, as well as retaining second place behind leaders Norwich City.

Inconsistency has crept into Bournemouth's game of late with just five points being collected from a possible 12, but the South Coast side remain within touching distance of moving ahead of the Canaries.

Back-to-back clean sheets have been recorded since the capitulation at home to Preston North End, something which will satisfy Tindall as the top eight in the standings becomes heavily congested.

Bournemouth are theoretically a defeat away from dropping outside of the playoff places, and that should ensure that they are focused when squaring off an unpredictable Huddersfield side.

The Terriers have looked desperately poor at certain stages of the campaign, but three wins from four games has catapulted Carlos Corberan's team into 12th spot.

While their three recent successes have all come at the John Smith's Stadium, Corberan would have been left impressed with the professionalism shown by his players.

The 2-0 wins against Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday came courtesy of goals scored in the first half, and those opening bursts were complemented by character being shown at the opposite end of the pitch after the break.

Although Huddersfield have not gone three games unbeaten since the middle of October, they will believe that they can cause a minor surprise at the Vitality Stadium this weekend.

Bournemouth Championship form: WWDLWD

Huddersfield Town Championship form: LDWLWW

Team News

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Corberan will likely have to make a couple of changes to his side after injuries to Jonathan Hogg and Josh Koroma.

Alex Vallejo could be handed his first start in a Huddersfield shirt, while Adama Diakhaby may return on the flank.

Bournemouth boss Tindall could opt to name the same time which secured a hard-earned point at Swansea on Tuesday night.

Jefferson Lerma and Sam Surridge are best placed to receive a recall if Tindall decides to freshen up his side.

Arnaut Groeneveld may feature on the substitutes' bench if he has recovered from a hamstring injury.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup: Begovic; Mepham, S.Cook, Kelly; Smith, Billing, L.Cook, Rico; Brooks, Stanislas; Solanke

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup: Hamer; Pipa, Edmonds-Green, Sarr, Toffolo; Eiting, Vallejo, O'Brien; Mbenza, Campbell, Diakhaby

We say: Bournemouth 2-1 Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield may approach this game with the feeling of having nothing to lose, something which may only help their performance. However, this is an important fixture for the Cherries, and we are backing Tindall's more experienced side to battle their way to the three points.

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