ANTOINE Semenyo says he expects a “physical challenge” against Stoke City this evening, adding: “They’re going to come and try and rough us up a little.”
Cherries face lower league opposition at Vitality Stadium, looking to book a spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup (7.45pm).
There are 22 clubs between Cherries and Stoke in the league pyramid, Alex Neil’s Potters struggling down in 20th in the Championship, winless in four.
But they have beaten fellow second tier outfits Rotherham United and West Bromwich Albion to reach this stage of the cup.
Semenyo, 23, has faced Stoke five times during his career, most recently in December 2022.
Asked what he expects from the Potters, the forward told the Daily Echo: “Quite a physical challenge, to be honest.
“I know that they’re going to come and try and rough us up a little.
“But we just need to play our game, keep the ball, run them down and be clinical at the end of the day.
“It will be a tough challenge, but I think we’re ready.”
He added: “I think every game is a tough game, whether it’s in the Prem or the Champ.
“They’re going to be tough. But we just need to play our game, like we usually do, and knock them out, win the game. That’s it.”
For Semenyo, there is a familiar face among the Stoke squad.
USA international Lynden Gooch joined the Staffordshire side this summer, following nine years at Sunderland. During that time, he briefly played with Semenyo, during his loan stay in the north east in 2020.
“He’s a good guy,” said Semenyo.
“He helped me settle when I was at Sunderland.
“I really enjoyed his company. He was a good leader as well.
“I’ll look forward to playing against him and catching up.”
Semenyo has fond memories from the EFL Cup. He has netted four goals in eight appearances in the competition, mostly with his last club Bristol City.
He also netted his first professional goal in this competition, during a loan spell at Newport County as an 18-year-old back in 2018, during a 4-1 win at Cambridge United.
“I think it was Newport? I remember that game,” said Semenyo.
“That feels like ages ago! But it was a good goal!
“That was the first goal I ever scored. I will cherish that forever.”
Now, Semenyo’s focus is on making a statement against Stoke to earn his place back in Cherries’ side for Premier League matches.
The Ghana international made a good impact off the bench at Brighton on Sunday, having also started three games earlier this season, scoring at Liverpool.
Looking ahead to facing Stoke, Semenyo said: “I think personally for me it is an opportunity.
“I’d love to be in and amongst the goals, show that I’m worthy to be starting.
“But I feel like that comes with every game.
“I feel like I’ve just got to be ready, whether I’m starting or on the bench, I’ve just got to be ready. When I come on, do my thing, if I start, make sure I do my thing.”
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