IT IS set to be another huge contest at Vitality Stadium today, as Cherries look to boost their survival bid with victory against familiar foes.

Cherries have fond recent memories against Nottingham Forest, sealing promotion by beating them last May, before coming from behind to defeat them 3-2 at the City Ground earlier this season.

Fortunes for the two clubs have changed a bit since, with Cherries on a run of six straight defeats, while Forest have climbed up to 13th after back-to-back top-flight victories.

Here are some talking points ahead of the clash this afternoon (3pm).

Bournemouth Echo:

What will the home atmosphere be like?

Cherries fans have had to endure some pretty woeful home displays in recent weeks.

Since coming back from the World Cup break, they were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace, before a 4-2 loss to Championship Burnley in the FA Cup.

Players were booed off on both occasions, but fans have shown their backing during recent fixtures, albeit to no avail with a return on the pitch.

A similar performance today to the past two home matches and it will leave big question marks about how Cherries can turn things around.

Asked how important the atmosphere will be to getting a result against Forest, head coach O’Neil said: “I think our performance will be important to the atmosphere. We go out there to win a game of football against Nottingham Forest.

“The lads know what it’s about. They’ve done it before.

“I’ve spoken a lot about the supporters and their backing. I remember speaking in my interim spell about the underdog story that Bournemouth has always been and we still are at this moment.

“The fact that we’re missing so many key players means every game we go into, I don’t check the odds, but I’m guessing we’re second favourites.

“The boys will be up for it, they will give absolutely everything and we’re looking to put on an exciting performance for the fans.

“I’m sure Nottingham Forest will come with different plans, so we’ll go at it and see who comes out on top.”

Bournemouth Echo:

How will O’Neil set up his side?

Marcos Senesi produced a largely solid display at Brentford, but did commit the foul which gave the hosts a first-half penalty.

That followed a costly error in the defeat to Burnley in the FA Cup a week earlier and in both matches, the Argentina international has been substituted.

Saturday could represent a good opportunity to move Lloyd Kelly back to a favoured centre-back role, with Jordan Zemura restored at left-back. Adam Smith should return at right-back after his suspension.

Further forward, O’Neil has a big call to make regarding a replacement for Lewis Cook.

Ben Pearson replaced him at Brentford, while Joe Rothwell is an option. Discussing the former Blackburn Rovers man, O’Neil said he would “play a part, for sure” against Nottingham Forest.

The other big call is whether to throw Dango Ouattara straight in for his debut. Given how O’Neil spoke about him in his press conference, there seems to be a good chance the Burkina Faso international may well start.

If he does opt for Zemura, it could be wise to combine him with Jaidon Anthony down the left, which would mean Ryan Christie left out.

Dominic Solanke, Marcus Tavernier, David Brooks, Ryan Fredericks and Junior Stanislas are all ruled out injured, along with Cook.

Predicted XI: Neto; Smith, Mepham, Kelly, Zemura; Rothwell, Lerma; Ouattara, Billing, Anthony; Moore.

How would you like to see Cherries line-up this afternoon? Let us know in the comments section below