PREM: Burnley v Bournemouth preview

Burnley v Bournemouth preview

Burnley host in-form Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon looking to move off the bottom of the Premier League.

Sean Dyche's side must pick up a point at least against fifth-in-the-table Bournemouth to avoid suffering their worst start to a season, and Dyche admits his squad must rediscover their "DNA" to change their fortunes.

"I was expecting us to do better. But I can assure you records don't bother me because if you want to look at the positive records that we have had in the last five years I think they will outweigh that record if it should occur," he said.

"I concern myself with the team, how it is performing, how the individuals are performing. Is it moving forward, is it being effective? They are the things we have got to change.

"It's not down to a lack of effort but there have been a couple of performances that have not been like us. That is the thing I have really been speaking to the players about.

"You have got to have a DNA if you like. You have got to have a feel how your group operate and we certainly have here.

"We have come away from that. There have been reminders of it - there have been a couple of very good performances where we should have dealt with the opposition and we haven't."

Bournemouth, meanwhile, arrive at Burnley riding high in the table, although manager Eddie Howe has warned his players they will face tough test at Turf Moor.

"We have to go into every game and prove we're worthy of our start. We're always looking to push the team to the next step," said Howe.

"It's been a good start there is no denying that. We're happy with what we've done and delivered, but there is more to come. Individuals can do even better.

"When Burnley function well as a team they're very hard to beat. It's always special to go back to your former club.

"In terms of results Burnley haven't had the best start, but in terms of performances I think they've been good. This will be a very tough game."

Burnley will be without defender Ben Gibson against Bournemouth after he underwent minor hernia surgery and is set to be sidelined for several weeks.

Midfielder Steven Defour and winger Robbie Brady continued their comebacks from long-term absences with appearances in a game at the training ground on Thursday, but are not yet ready for the first team.

Bournemouth defender Charlie Daniels and midfielder Kyle Taylor are both fitness doubts for Saturday's clash. Left-back Daniels has been sidelined by a knee injury, while Taylor has picked up a calf problem so continues to be assessed.

Winger Junior Stanislas made a welcome return from a serious knee injury with a run-out in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday, so could feature in the squad.