Friday 28 April 2017 14:55, UK
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says he cannot afford to have any sympathy for Sunderland counterpart David Moyes, due to his own team's need for points.
Sunderland made it seven defeats in nine when they were beaten 1-0 at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night and could be relegated on Saturday, if they fail to beat Howe's side and other results go against them.
Bournemouth, conversely, are on 38 points, seven clear of the drop zone, and are all set to secure another season in the top flight.
But Howe says more points are still required and that sympathy for Sunderland's plight must wait until after the match.
"My focus is always on us and our team and players, making sure we are at our very best," said Howe. "It is difficult to have sympathy with an opposition manager until after the game, as the focus is so much on your team.
"We are not safe until it is mathematically done. "We would love to get over 40 points this weekend, that is the one everyone talks about. Then we can move on from there.
"It is about continuing our progression and momentum, but it will be a difficult game. Any away game in the Premier League is tough, so we will not be underestimating Sunderland.
"I have seen many amazing things in football, so our mentality has to be to go out against a tough side fighting for their lives.
"While there is hope for Sunderland, they will keep going, especially with their manager and the challenges he has faced in his career."
Bournemouth avoided a third straight defeat when they thumped Middlesbrough 4-0 last weekend and Howe hopes his team can now produce a positive end to the campaign.
"We have been slightly more inconsistent than we would have liked, but I see progression in the team and we're going the right way," he said. "I am proud of how the players have adapted to the Premier League."
Goalkeeper Artur Boruc, meanwhile, has seen his contract extended until summer 2018 after triggering an appearance-related clause.
The 37-year-old former Poland stopper has played in all but two Premier League matches this season, with eight clean sheets, after joining from Southampton following a successful loan spell.
Howe said: "Artur has been in great form of late and has been an extremely consistent performer.
"He has won us points this season and had such a big impact for us."
