Eddie Howe looking for Premier League momentum ahead of new season

Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe has insisted that he wants the Cherries to find the same momentum in the early stages of the new Premier League season that they experienced during the back-end of last term.

The Seasiders enjoyed a strong finish to the 2016-17 campaign after the club went five games unbeaten to earn a ninth-place finish in the league, leading Howe to call for the same sort of intensity when the new term opens this weekend.

"We built good momentum at the end of last season. We'd love to start the new season with that still strong throughout the team," said Howe, according to BBC Sport.

"I feel the players are where they need to be fitness-wise, we needed the game [against Napoli]. I'm looking forward to the competition next season, looking forward to getting going and playing for points, that's what it's all about.

"This has been a good pre-season and an enjoyable one. I think we're ready for the season."

Howe's charges will face West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Saturday.