Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is looking forward to seeing his side backed by a strong away support at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe commented that his players are looking forward to the prospect of taking on Saints and securing their own Premier League safety in the process.
“We came very close to beating them there last year, but it was an important point for us at the time,” he said. “We're taking some really good away support and I know they'll be vocal.
“We’ve usually been in different leagues so it’s only been in the last few years we’ve played them regularly. We look forward to this one again.
"Beating last year's target is a motivation for us and we'll be very keen to win the last three games and we're very capable of it.
"We've still got to get over the line. We've got a big game ahead of us and that's a big motivation for us. Saints have our full respect and it will be a difficult game."
The 40-year-old added that he will be without Cherries regulars Harry Arter and Adam Smith; the following weekend is a more realistic target for the full-back.
“Apart from Harry, I think we’re OK. He’s got an Achilles problem and won’t play. We thought Adam’s injury may have been a season-ending one but he hasn’t needed an operation and is making good progress.
“I would say next week is more of a possibility for him.”
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