BOSS Eddie Howe is predicting a tough and very different test from Accrington Stanley as Cherries prepare to embark on a revenge mission.

Goals from Paul Mullin, Terry Gornell and Royston Griffiths condemned Cherries – under former manager Jimmy Quinn – to a dispiriting 3-0 defeat in East Lancashire in November.

However, Howe believes Stanley will pose a different set of problems on the road after taking in their last away game at Shrewsbury 10 days ago.

He told the Daily Echo: “They set up in a 4-5-1 formation and made it very difficult for Shrewsbury by keeping the ball for long periods of time.

“They are going to be a difficult side to play against and I think it will be a tighter game than Wycombe and Shrewsbury. I think Accrington will try to keep it tight and may sit quite deep.

“At times, we have struggled against that at home this season and, without a targetman like Steve Fletcher, it can be difficult to pass through teams because they outnumber you in midfield.

“We will have to be patient and will need to bide our time. We can’t throw men forward too early because that would lay us open to the counter attack.”

Despite seeing off high-fliers Wycombe and Shrewsbury in their past four games, Cherries have managed a solitary win against teams in the bottom half this season – Chester on December 6.

Howe added: “I know people will be expecting us to beat Accrington but they won’t come here and roll over. Anything we may get, we will have to earn, like we have in recent games.

“We are fully prepared for a really hard game and are under no illusions that we have to treat every game with the utmost respect and importance. The moment you switch off and think three points are in the bag, you will get turned over.

“They proved earlier in the season that they are a good side. They will get our respect but we also believe in ourselves at the moment so we’ve got to take that into the game as well.

“There won’t be any complacency. If any of the lads were complacent in our position, I would be very surprised. I certainly don’t expect to see that and, if I did, I would be very annoyed.

“We will continue our work ethic and hopefully get another performance out of the boys together with the result we need.”

Skipper Shaun Cooper sits out due to a one-match ban for accumulating five bookings, although Mark Molesley is available again after recovering from a back injury.

Stanley are likely to include former Cherries loan striker Craig Lindfield who made just five appearances for the club earlier in the season.

  • Cherries are offering a St Valentine's Day special in the Top Floor restaurant for the visit of Accrington Stanley to Dean Court.

The package includes a glass of champagne on arrival, a two-course carvery, programme and team-sheet, executive seating for the match and tea, coffee and cakes at halt-time. Ladies will also each receive a red rose.

The total cost for the package is £94.50 per couple or £129.50 per couple adding in a bottle of champagne and complimentary wine and soft drinks prior to kick-off.

For more details, contact 01202 726322.