EDDIE Howe said Slavisa Jokanovic had his full respect – but not his sympathy – following Fulham's tough start in the Premier League.

Cherries head to Craven Cottage bidding to heap more misery on Jokanovic who saw Fulham slip into the bottom three following defeat by Cardiff six days ago.

The Cottagers have managed one win – at home to Burnley in August – since returning to the top flight after triumphing in the Championship play-off final against Aston Villa.

Asked whether he had sympathy for Jokanovic, Howe replied: "Respect not sympathy.

"I know he is an outstanding coach and you can see his work on the pitch with how his team plays.

"They have some very good players, a good way of playing and we know we are going to have to be at the top of our game to win.

"It is the same everywhere you go in the Premier League. Last week against Southampton was a really good reminder for us that we have to be at our best if we want to win.

"Slavisa led Watford to promotion and has done the same with Fulham. That is not easy to do with two different clubs so he has my full respect.

"His style of play is one that drew a lot of praise and plaudits last season and they haven’t changed.

"They haven’t adapted it and are trying to enhance it this season. I have a lot of respect for that way of working and that is why we know it will be a difficult game for us.

"Both teams will try to play and open up the pitch. Both will be very brave in possession and try to take the game to their opponent.

"The team that implements their style and makes the fewest mistakes will win."

Discussing Cherries' start to the season, Howe said: "We are pleased to this point.

"It means everything because you are immersed in your work and this is your life.

"It has been a pleasant start for us but that is all it is and we know how tough the Premier League is.

"We know how quickly football can change so are very much focused on the next match.

"Fulham play a very good attractive brand of football and one we are going to have to try to counter act and try to impose ourselves on."

No fewer than nine members of the current Cherries squad were involved when Howe's team registered a 5-1 win on their previous visit to Craven Cottage in March 2015.

Artur Boruc, Simon Francis, Steve Cook, Charlie Daniels, Andrew Surman, Marc Pugh and Callum Wilson started, while Adam Smith and Junior Stanislas came off the bench.

Howe said: "For me, that’s a really good thing and it has been a big part of our strength.

"The core group we have kept together, their attitude and motivation to keep achieving and improving has been brilliant and I'm delighted for those players concerned."