Howe eager to reach 40 points with Cherries

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is expecting a tough battle when his side come up against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Cherries head into the game with just two losses in their last eight and safe in the knowledge that victory will see them surpass the mythical 40-point mark.

Sunderland however have picked up just two points in their last nine league fixtures and are rooted to the foot of the Premier League as their position looks increasingly perilous each week.

But Howe is not resting on his laurels despite being seven points clear of the relegation zone and has warned there will be a reaction from the Black Cats, who require a win to keep in touch with Middlesbrough, Swansea and Hull in the relegation dogfight.

“Any away game in the Premier League is difficult,” said Howe.

“While there’s hope for Sunderland they’ll keep going, it will be tough.

“I won’t accept we’re safe until it’s mathematically done, but we’d love to get over the 40-point barrier this weekend.

“We’ve been slightly more inconsistent than we’d have liked, but I see progression in the team and we’re going the right way.

“I’m proud of how the players have adapted to the Premier League.”