Eddie Howe says Bournemouth will not relax against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup
Tuesday 24 October 2017 13:03, UK
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe says he is taking the Carabao Cup seriously and expects a tough battle against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.
The Cherries face Garry Monk's side at the Vitality Stadium, and Howe is keen to build momentum following Saturday's 2-1 away win against Stoke City.
The Bournemouth boss said: "Stoke was a massive win for us, but also the manner of the win. It's a tough ground and tough conditions, we had to really dig in and see the game out.
"From leading positions we've lost points before, but I've never doubted the character of the players. Their ability to be resilient, to be strong in the face of everything a Premier League team can throw at you.
"We came through it really well.
"We don't see the (Carabao) cup as a distraction. We need to give opportunities to players and we want to progress in this competition.
"We will see different players, I believe in the squad. I will have no hesitation in changing the team.
"We prepare the team to win always and if that means changing the team then I will do so, but not with a view to relaxing or taking the competition lightly.
"In the previous round we gave an excellent performance against Brighton
"We've had some tight games against Middlesbrough. We know a lot of their players and no doubt both teams will be properly prepared."
Howe revealed that striker Jermaine Defoe will be missing against Boro, with a hamstring problem, but Josh King could return to action following a bout of illness at the weekend.
He added: "We came through the weekend's game okay. We'll wait and see on (Josh) King. (Jermaine) Defoe will still be out.
"We don't anticipate King being missing for a long time."
