The low-down on this weekend's opponents from the Goldsands Stadium
A fixture which has been played just 21 times during the history of the Football League, Wanderers will be hoping to carry on where they left off against their Bournemouth counterparts the last time these two sides met.
With goals from David Ngog and Jermaine Beckford earning the Whites all three points in a 2-0 victory on the south coast back in November, Saturday’s clash offers Dougie Freedman’s men the opportunity to secure their tenth win over the Cherries in all competitions.
They will however come up against a Bournemouth side who have enjoyed a solid yet steady to their first season in the second tier of English football since 1990, with Eddie Howe’s side currently residing in 15th position in the league standings with 34 points taken from 28 games so far.
A team which looked more certain to be facing the prospect of League Two football prior to the installation of Howe as manager in October 2012, the Cherries’ revival and consequent promotion to the Championship as League One runners-up last season has surprised many in the world of football.
Admittedly more consistent on their home soil than on their travels this season, Bournemouth have still been a force to be reckoned with away from the Goldsands Stadium with three wins and four draws to their name.
Ahead of their first ever trip to the Reebok Stadium however, the Cherries boast a record of just one win in their last five games and were defeated 1-0 by league leaders Leicester City last time out.
Despite their inconsistency of late though, Howe’s men boast an experienced squad with the likes of veteran defender Ian Harte, top goalscorer Lewis Grabban and stalwart goalkeeper Lee Camp amongst their ranks – players which are all well versed with the challenges which face teams in the Championship.
With survival undoubtedly still the Cherries’ main aim this season, Bournemouth will certainly head to the Reebok Stadium this weekend looking to increase the gap between themselves and the drop zone.