CHERRIES star Steve Cook believes Championship rivals Millwall could be preparing to buck the trend as they bid to storm fortress Dean Court.

Defender Cook thinks the Lions will look to “take the game” to Cherries rather than put men behind the ball and try to catch them on the break.

Cook has been a key figure in Cherries’ rise to second place with Eddie Howe’s men having won four and drawn one of their past five home league games.

The 23-year-old told the Daily Echo: “Not many Ian Holloway teams sit in and defend so we are expecting them to come at us and I hope they don’t disappoint because we prefer it that way.

“It is tough to break down teams and, if they come and take the game to us, it would be good for the spectators. I am sure their fans would want them to and so would ours. We want to entertain and I am sure they do as well and that would suit us.

“When he managed Blackpool in the Premier League, he took them to Manchester United and attacked. He is one of those managers who wants his teams to score more than they concede. Whether that will change, we will have to wait and see but I am hoping they don’t.”

Cook netted in the corresponding fixture in October last season when Cherries came from behind to win 5-2 after Martyn Waghorn and Liam Trotter had put Millwall 2-0 ahead in the first 10 minutes.

“They came out of the blocks quickly and we found ourselves 2-0 down very early on,” said Cook. “Fortunately, we had enough about us to come away with a convincing win but, if we do that again, we will be in for a very tough game.

“The first goal in the Championship is usually vital so, hopefully, we can get it and kick on rather than be chasing the game because we are at home, we want to keep clean sheets and stay on the run we are on.”

Cook said the players were also hoping to help boss Howe mark his 300th game in management and his 37th birthday with a win.

“We always try to give as much back as possible by working hard and doing everything we can for the manager,” added Cook. “He is the one who has got us in this position and we want to try to repay him with wins and, hopefully, progress in the long run.”