Eddie Howe hoping Bournemouth can move level with Chelsea on 44 points
Friday 22 April 2016 12:10, UK
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe insists his side are fully motivated for the visit of Chelsea to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The Cherries have lost their last two home matches against Manchester City and Liverpool and Howe wants to reward the club's supporters, who have seen only five home wins this term, by completing a double over last season's champions.
Bournemouth can also move level with Chelsea on 44 points with a victory and a top-10 finish remains a possibility as they go into this weekend's fixtures in 13th place, with the Blues in 10th spot.
Howe said: "We haven't talked about a top-10 finish, just this game and making sure we give our all for the supporters.
"The supporters haven't seen many home wins. We want to change that. One of our motivations is to pull level with Chelsea.
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"World-class players made the difference in the Manchester City and Liverpool games. Chelsea have those players we need to be wary of.
"It's unusual for Chelsea not to be fighting for honours. This whole season has been new for us too, it's a great end to the season."
Bournemouth stunned Chelsea with a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture on December 5 thanks to Glenn Murray's late header and Howe admits that was an important result for them.
"We look back at the night at Stamford Bridge with fondness. It was a turning point and a famous night for Bournemouth," he said.
"That win was about us, it was one of the turning points of the season and when you deliver it, that's the confidence builder."
Forward Callum Wilson came off the bench for the closing stages against Liverpool as he edges closer to full fitness following six months out with a knee injury, but Howe will take things slowly with the 24-year-old.
"I was pleased with his little cameo last week against Liverpool, he did very well. I don't think it is any coincidence that it coincided with our best spell of the game and the goal," he said.
"Callum is getting closer to a start. The most important thing is that he stays fit and can train. From there, we can get his minutes up."
