CHERRIES will tomorrow face a Cardiff side rejuvenated under the watchful eye of Russell Slade.

Brought in as boss less than a fortnight after Cherries had eased to a 3-0 League Cup win in the Welsh capital at the end of September, Slade has guided his team to 17 points in nine Championship games.

Cardiff have risen to ninth in the table under the tutelage of the former Leyton Orient manager and are just two points off the play-off places.

Bluebirds frontman Adam Le Fondre has suffered defeat to Cherries on three occasions in the past 12 months and is desperate to arrest that disappointing run.

Le Fondre featured in the Reading side that were beaten twice by Eddie Howe’s men last season, while he also played 90 minutes of Cardiff’s demoralising League Cup defeat.

The striker told Wales Online: “Bournemouth were brilliant last season and while I was at Reading they battered us home and away.

"Then, look at the cup tie they played against us – they annihilated us.

“They are an extremely good team and Eddie Howe has them playing well. If we underestimate them or take it easy then they will take advantage. But we will be absolutely ready for what is a huge test.

“Bournemouth were promoted automatically two years ago and have done really well in the Championship.”