By Jonathan Nagioff (@jonathannagioff)
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe insists that his side must not take anything for granted when they face struggling Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday.
The Terriers are without a Premier League win since December and sit 19th in the table, just a point away from safety.
The Cherries on the other hand are in excellent form and a run of seven games unbeaten in the league has ascended Howe’s side into 9th in the table, six points above the relegation zone.
But the Bournemouth boss has urged his side not to be complacent when they face David Wagner’s side.
He told the media at his pre-match press conference, “I think it’s dangerous to look at who you’re playing. It can be very unpredictable, so we can’t lose our focus.
“I think David Wagner is an outstanding manager. They’ve performed well, they’ve been in games and they’ve not changed their philosophy.”
Callum Wilson is likely to pose Bournemouth’s biggest threat going forward, with 3 of his 8 goals this season coming in the 4-0 reverse fixture at the Vitality Stadium, earlier this season.
And his manager has backed the in-form striker to sneak into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup in Russia this summer.
He continued, “I think he’s going to be in the mix.
“He’s catching the headlines and doing the business in such a tough and demanding league.
“I think naturally people are going to look at him. He’s a good age and he has a great attitude. He should never be forgotten, I think he is the whole package.
“Let’s wait and see. I am reluctant to put any pressure on Gareth Southgate. I don’t want to say anything he wouldn’t want me to say. I’m just delighted he’s back and playing well.
Howe has defensive options available to him on Sunday, with centre half Steve Cook recovering from a hamstring injury which he picked up in the 2-1 victory over Stoke City last week.
Full back Adam Smith could also feature for the first time since January, after picking up a knock in the 1-1 stalemate with West Ham United in January.
Kick off at the John Smith’s Stadium is at 12pm.