By Jonathan Nagioff (@jonathannagioff)
AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe insists his side have not lost focus ahead of their last Premier League game of the season away to Burnley on Sunday.
Howe’s men will travel to Turf Moor in good spirits having mathematically secured their league status following last week’s 1-0 win over all-but relegated Swansea.
The Cherries currently sit in 12th place on 41 points, level on points with Crystal Palace and Newcastle two places above them and Howe’s side could leapfrog the pair to finish 10th, should results go their way.
“We’re taking the game at Burnley very seriously,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference.
“We want to finish as high as we can for personal pride. They’ve been very impressive this season.”
The Clarets have had a remarkable season, with manager Sean Dyche leading them to a 7th place finish and subsequently, a place in the Europa League next season.
The Cherries were on the wrong end of a 1-2 defeat to the Premier League’s surprise package this term and Howe, who left the South Coast for Turf Moor in 2011 is hoping to emulate the success of his former side next season.
Howe added: “I still feel that there was more we wanted to do this season, but ultimately it has been a successful campaign. We know there is still room for improvement.
“The league feels as if it has been very tight. Of course, the slight frustration from my point of view is that we want to be more consistent.”
The Cherries boss confirmed that defender Adam Smith and midfield duo Harry Arter and Junior Stanislas will all be out of the clash, whilst Howe is also sweating on the fitness of several other players and says “late decisions” will be made ahead of Sunday’s season finale.
Burnley vs AFC Bournemouth is a 3pm kick off.
Howe pleased with performance after Cherries secure Premier League safety