HIGH-STAKES football is what Cherries live for according to boss Scott Parker, with the head coach looking forward to his side’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.

Both sides all but require victories in order to achieve their end goals this campaign, with Blackburn outsiders for a play-off spot, whilst Cherries aiming to go up automatically by finishing in the top two.

With Nottingham Forest breathing down Cherries’ necks, there is immense pressure for the Dorset club to maintain their grasp on their automatic spot.

Rather than baulk at the prospect of entering the proverbial lion’s den on Saturday, Parker claims his side relish fixtures with big things riding on the result.

The former Fulham boss stressed that games meaning something come the end of April usually indicated a club had something to play for, with Parker sharing: “I think, firstly, that's exactly what we want.

“I don't want it any other different way. I want these games when it comes to the back end of the season, meaning a lot or wanting something on it, hence that means the team have done a very good job.

“But yeah, (if it’s an) open game, not open game, I don't know the dynamics.

“Blackburn are in and amongst it as well, so obviously they're going to want to come and win the game as well.

“Whatever scenario that is, faced by up against a team that want to sit off it a little bit and we have to try and break them down.

“We'll do that. We've done that for large parts this year against many a team and on the flip side as well, if they come and take the game to us like we've experienced over Coventry, Swansea and other games as well, we look apt in them situations as well, really.

“So I don't know the dynamics or how Tony or Blackburn are going to address this game. What I do know is how we are and how mindset and our mentality going into this game and what we are going to be about. And that's the main drive.”

Blackburn are expected to have over 20,000 spectators for the first time in over three years. Cherries have confirmed that they have sold their allocation of 1,900 tickets, also announcing that Blackburn will make tickets available on the day for travelling fans.

When asked what he made of Ewood Park in his 12 visits as a player, Parker stated: “It’s a good stadium, old stadium in that sense.

“Traditional stadium, good crowd, very good crowd, obviously if that is the case, they come in with a few fans as well.

“Perfect, let's drum up this atmosphere, and that's exactly why we're here.

“That's why the players want to play in arenas and atmospheres. So we look forward to that.”