We must be wary of dangerous opponents says Cherries skipper Simon Francis

The Midlanders head to Vitality Stadium eight points adrift of safety at the foot of the table and on the back of a seven-game losing run in league and FA Cup.

Francis captained Cherries when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Hawthorns on the opening day of the season – one of only three wins for West Brom in the top flight during a torrid campaign.

Baggies boss Alan Pardew, who replaced ex-Cherries manager Tony Pulis in November, has overseen just one Premier League victory since taking the reins.

Pardew, 56, this week met club chief executive Mark Jenkins and was reassured he would remain in his post, most likely until the end of the season.

A vastly experienced manager with success of beating the drop at previous clubs Newcastle and Crystal Palace, Pardew has struggled to turn things round with the Baggies probably drinking in the last-chance saloon.

“This is why it is such a dangerous game,” said Francis, who made his 600th career appearance when he led Cherries against Tottenham five days ago.

“They could have the mindset of “we have nothing to lose now so let’s just go out and play with freedom”.

“That could mean they put in a good performance or they could sit off us and play on the counter-attack which is also dangerous.

“It is a game we have to respect. They have a talented squad and I don’t think the points they have earned this season really reflect the ability within their ranks.

“We know they are a threat from set-plays so that is something we will have to look out for. They are a big team and it could be the biggest game of our season so far.

“It could be a banana skin and we must address it and treat it the same as Tottenham. We must put in the same focus.

“If we could make a fast start and get an early goal then that would give us confidence. If we approach it like we did the Tottenham game then I think we can win. But at the same time, we have to be wary of them.”