BURNLEY boss Vincent Kompany says he “can see why it’s tough for Bournemouth” as he prepares for this weekend’s pivotal clash at Vitality Stadium.

Both clubs have made slow starts to the Premier League season, mustering just one win between them in 18 games.

But a victory could lift either side out of the relegation zone by Saturday evening.

Asked how he assesses the challenge from Cherries, after they brought Andoni Iraola in to replace Gary O’Neil during the summer, Kompany said: “It’s two different managers, so there’s always going to be differences because of that.

“I can see why it’s tough for Bournemouth, like I can see why it’s tough for us.

“But I think all of us have got the same ambition, to get to that next level and make sure you establish yourself as a good, strong, Premier League club.

“But it goes in stages. At this moment in time, I think we’re probably in a similar battle and a similar situation, but it’s the nature of this league.”

Kompany picked up a win at Vitality Stadium last season, when his Championship Clarets dumped Cherries out of the FA Cup with an impressive 4-2 win in January.

Asked if he can take anything from that win to help going into this weekend, Kompany said: “They’ve spent £150million or £200million since, I don’t know how much, so there are a few fresh faces there as well!

“The biggest thing for me is to always have belief, no matter what.

“Bournemouth will be a tough away game. There’s not going to be any easy games in this league.”

Burnley will be without full-back Connor Roberts, who was sent off in last weekend’s 3-0 loss at Brentford.