Photo credit: AFP.

Photo credit: AFP.

Photo credit: AFP.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe admitted on Wednesday it will be tough to continue his side’s recent winning run over the hectic festive period. The Cherries have not been beaten since the beginning of November and followed up a shock 1-0 victory at Chelsea and 2-1 win at home to Manchester United with a 2-1 success at West Bromwich Albion last time out, their third win in a row.

Howe’s side currently sit 14th, five points above the relegation zone, but the manager isn’t getting carried away:

“We are certainly enjoying our best spell in the Premier League but the challenge to keep it going is very difficult.

“I would say we have been pretty consistent.

“I wouldn’t say the spirit is any higher than it has been at any other time.

“People may find that hard to believe, but even during the difficult moments we have had this season, the spirit in the camp, the enthusiasm, the lads with each other, the environment they have created is very strong.”

Bournemouth host Crystal Palace on Saturday in the traditional Boxing Day fixture schedule. Palace are enjoying a strong season under Alan Pardew, currently sitting sixth but level on points with Tottenham Hotspur in fourth, the final Champions League qualifying position.

“It’s an exciting game for us because we are back at home and in front of our own supporters at Christmas,” Howe added.

“We very much respect Crystal Palace and the work that Alan Pardew has done there.

“They are a club that we look at and would like to emulate.”