Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has backed his former club Burnley to retain their Premier League status this season.

Sean Dyche's men returned to the top flight by winning the Championship in the 2015-16 campaign, and they currently sit 15th in the table, three points above the relegation zone.

Howe spent 21 months in charge of Burnley between 2011 and 2012 before returning to Bournemouth for a second spell in charge, and this Saturday he will go back to Turf Moor with the Cherries.

"I've got good memories from my time at Burnley," Howe told reporters. "The club were in transition at that time, but the staff and people were great. It was a period when I was out of my comfort zone, but also a time in which I learned a lot as a manager.

"Sean Dyche has done a wonderful job at Burnley. I think they'll have more than enough to stay up. They're a team really playing for their boss."

"The challenge for us here is to now build consistency. I don't think we've put a proper marker down yet, so that's what we've got to do."

Bournemouth currently sit four points above Burnley in 10th place.