Burnley v Bournemouth - Tony Dewhurst's big match preview

UTTER it quietly... Bournemouth have never won at Turf Moor.

And Chris Waddle is determined that record will not alter tomorrow as Bournemouth plan a Division Two smash and grab raid.

The Burnley player-boss was in resolute mood this week following the recent mini-revival.

It marks Waddle's most fertile week in management so far, with the Clarets now unbeaten in their last four games.

Two consecutive away draws at Bournemouth and Wrexham, a first league win against Carlisle United and a home draw with Wycombe has lifted the spirits of the Turf Moor faithful.

Now, with two home games on the bounce, Walsall visit Turf Moor a week tomorrow, Waddle is looking for a maximum six point return.

He also knows a point could lift the Clarets away from the foot of Division Two for the first time since August, providing Plymouth fall at Gillingham.

Waddle observed: "We've two massive games coming up and it gives us an ideal opportunity to build on our last four results.

"We are making progress, I've no doubt about that.

"There can be no question about the spirit and confidence in the side, especially after our last four reasults.

"In some ways tomorrow is our biggest match of the season because psychologically it so important to get away from the bottom spot." Waddle will be forced to make at least one change against Bournemouth as Mark Ford begins a three match suspension.

Michael Williams - an unused substitute at Plymouth on Tuesday - appears favourite to deputise.

"The blend of the side has improved and, all of sudden, we are looking a more difficult side to break down," added Waddle.

"We don't appear as vulnerable as the early part of the season and each player knows the role they have to fulfil in the team.

"A lot of positive things are starting to happen and I can sense a real belief in the dressing room.

"The fans are with us all the way and they know what we are trying to do will not happen overnight.

"As I've said before, the loyalty of the fans over the past couple of months has made me more determined than ever to bring success to Burnley.

"I couldn't believe how many fans went to Wrexham and the players were truly lifted to see so many behind the goal at Plymouth.

"It was such a difficult trip to Plymouth in midweek and to see so many of our fans down there was such a massive boost for all the players."

But Waddle is conscious of the Bournemouth threat, despite Burnley's unbeaten run in the league at Turf Moor.

Only early pace setters Oldham Athletic and Gillingham can match Burnley's home record, but Bournemouth are currently one of the form teams. After a troubled year when the club's existence was threatened due to several winding-up orders, the Cherries have made a splendid start to the new campaign.

They recently made their first cash signing since becoming the first community owend football club in Europe, as attacking winger Christer Warren made the short journey along the south coast from close neighbours Southampton for £50,000.

He scored on his debut - a 1-0 win at PNE. Other new additions likely to be on view at Turf Moor tomorrow include midfielder Justin Harrington and French defender Frank Rolling, both from Leicester City.

Last weekend's 2-1 win over Fulham pushed Bournemouth into fourth place before the Cherries were held at home 0-0 by Millwall on Tuesday.

Manager Mel Machin has built a strong foundation around their away form with just one defeat away from Dean Court, four draws and two wins. But Machin sounded a note of caution to his side today.

"Regardless of what sort of form Burnley are in, and from what I've seen they are playing very well, going to Turf Moor is always a colossal task," he said.

"Burnley are in a false position and are far to good a squad to be down there much longer.

"It must be very hard for Chris Waddle, combining playing and managing, but he seems to be steadying the ship after a demanding start."

And all the indications are that Burnley fans will have to be patient tomorrow with only Watford, Northampton and MIllwall having conceded fewer goals on their travels.

"We will make it is hard as possible for Burnley and it is up to them to come out and try and break us down," said Machin.

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