MANAGER Eddie Howe has refused to downplay the significance of Cherries' Premier League clash with West Brom, describing it as "a huge game in our recent history".

Cherries lock horns with the Baggies at Vitality Stadium on Saturday knowing victory would take them to within touching distance of securing their top-fight status for a fourth successive season (3pm).

Currently 12th, Howe's team are on 33 points – six clear of the drop zone – with West Brom marooned at the foot of the table, eight points adrift of safety.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "I think we have work to do. It is tight and there are a lot of clubs involved.

"From our perspective, we need to make sure we prepare very well for West Brom.

"It is a huge game in our recent history and a game where we need our supporters to really get behind the players and try to make it as hostile as we can for West Brom.

"Our fans were very good against Tottenham and I didn’t expect anything different. They really did support the players in every moment of the game and that is all I can ask."