Eddie Howe believes his side’s punishing run-in has highlighted the “harsh realities” of the strength of the Premier League and will stand them in good stead for next season.

Since registering a hat-trick of wins in March, Cherries have lost five out of their past six games – against Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton.

Cherries, who have preserved their top-flight status with 41 points, face West Brom in their final home game tomorrow (3pm) before bringing down the curtain at Manchester United a week on Sunday.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I believe this run of games could really serve us well going into next season because the harsh realities are there of just how tough this division is.

“It is a period for us where we are under no illusions that we will have to come back a lot better team than when we left. Next season, this league is going to be a lot tougher than it is now.”

Currently 15th, Cherries are still involved in a battle for additional prize money with around £1.2million at stake for each place higher up the table they could finish.

They would leapfrog West Brom with victory over the Baggies, while just three points separate them from Everton, who are 11th.

And while Howe is fully aware of the financial incentives, he has also hinted he could be tempted to give some of his squad players a run-out with an eye on next season.

“We have always been aware of the money side and it has not gone unnoticed from our perspective,” added Howe.

“We may look at one or two things. A lot of the squad have had good game time this season and, in the main, most players have been given an opportunity.

“I might look at giving one or two other players an opportunity and might experiment slightly but with the best intentions because we want to try to get some points between now and the end of the season in what will be two really tough games for us.”