EDDIE Howe says his side will have to be prepared ‘physically and mentally’ for their clash against Burnley are Turf Moor this afternoon.

The former Clarets manager returns to East Lancashire knowing his Bournemouth side have to improve their away form if they are to secure Premier League survival.

After winning two of their first three away matches this season, Bournemouth have taken just four points from their 10 matches on the road since.

It is that form away from the Vitality Stadium that has left the Cherries firmly in a relegation battle, sitting just two points clear of the bottom three ahead of today's trip to Burnley.

“Over the next few games, we’re going to need a better away record,” Howe said. “You know when you go to Turf Moor you’ve got to be prepared physically and mentally for a tough game, hopefully our quality will show on the day.”

Howe is pleased, however, that his side’s performances have improved in recent weeks.

The Cherries have won two out of their last three league matches, but defeat to Sheffield United before the winter break put a halt to their surge in belief. Despite that loss, Howe believes his side have stepped up their performances and wants his players to use their recent momentum to climb up the table.

“If you look at the last three games overall, I think you’ve seen an upturn in performance, so I think that’s important, that the momentum shift is there in terms of the level we’ve played at,” Howe added.

“If I look back at the games that we haven’t got wins in, there’s several that spring to mind that I think I’m frustrated that we didn’t do better or come out with points.”