Opposition watch: AFC Bournemouth

The low-down on Saturday's opponents from the south coast

Bolton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth meet for the 21st time this weekend, with both sides currently level pegging in terms of victories in the fixture with eight apiece.

The last meeting between the teams was contested two decades ago back in April 1993 – a game which saw Bolton run out 2-1 winners at Dean Court.

Following the Cherries promotion to the second tier last season however, the Whites will be facing something of an unknown quantity when they travel to the south coast this weekend.

Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed a solid start to life in the Championship, with five wins, two draws and six defeats leaving them currently positioned 11th in the league standings.

The south-coast outfit have been impressive on their home turf during the opening months of the campaign, securing four victories over the likes of Charlton, Barnsley and Millwall.

They have however struggled against opponents from the North West, with Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers having taken maximum points from their visits to the Goldsands Stadium.

Following the club’s promotion back in May, Howe moved to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window with the arrivals of experienced defender Ian Harte and highly rated midfielder Jack Collison on loan from West Ham proving to be crucial to the Cherries’ early season success.
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