CHRIS Mepham insists Cherries will have to be up for the fight if they are to take maximum points at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, admitting: "We can't just expect to turn up and have it all our own way."
Cherries began their Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw against West Brom, ahead of their first away trip under new boss Scott Parker this weekend.
Forest, who ground out a 0-0 draw with Cherries at the City Ground in February, began their season under Chris Hughton with a late 2-1 defeat at Coventry City.
But Mepham, who returned to the side against West Brom after serving his one-match suspension, knows Cherries will again have to be prepared for a battle this weekend.
"We can’t just expect to turn up and have it all our own way," he told the Daily Echo.
"Very few Championship games are like that. I think you need to match the opposition physically, match the fight that they bring.
"I think a lot of teams will do it this season. We know we’ve got loads and loads of quality going forward. But I think the important thing is standing up to the battle.
"I think that’s why it’s a real positive we’ve done that (against West Brom)."
Asked if he sees any team as a standout favourite to win the division this season, Mepham added: "I think the teams coming down are always going to be really strong.
"We know that. I think most teams are going to be strong in this division.
"It’s known across the world as one of the toughest ones. So I think as long as we look after ourselves and make sure we’re applying ourselves day in, day out in training then come Saturday I think we’ll be good."
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