Preview: AFC Bournemouth v Portsmouth

AFC Bournemouth will fancy their chances against struggling Portsmouth in this afternoon's south coast derby.

Portsmouth visit Bournemouth for the first time in fourteen years, but the Cherries have failed to beat the strugglers on two occasions already this season.

A late Lee Barnard strike rescued a point for the Dorset side on the opening day of the season at Fratton Park, before the two south coast clubs shared another draw in September.

Bournemouth are in fine form after last weekend's 3-0 win over the MK Dons, and will expect to pick up all three points against Pompey - who have not won a game since October.

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Richard Hughes and David James were regulars for Portsmouth during better times, but the Hampshire side are a shadow of the team that lifted the 2008 FA Cup.

Cherries manager Eddie Howe also signed for Portsmouth in 2001, but only featured in two games in two years after picking up a nasty injury on his debut.

Howe knows this afternoon's visitors won't be lacking any passion and could make things very difficult for his side.

"They have a lot of young players in their squad and they are giving everything for their club" explained Howe.

"I have known Guy Whittingham and Andy Awford for a long time and they are doing an excellent job.

"We don't in any way want to underestimate Portsmouth, it would be foolish to do so. You have the added factor that it is a local derby.

"There will be a big crowd with both sets of supporters backing their teams with passion. We can't drop our standards because the game will hurt you if you do that."