Bournemouth could not have dreamt of a better 2013-14 season as they came up from League One to make a late charge for the Championship playoffs, eventually finishing 10th.

For a side that went into the campaign with their number one objective of staying in the division, it was an incredibly successful season for the Cherries.

However, they must now be wary of the dreaded second-season syndrome as they enter the upcoming campaign as dark horses to reach the playoffs.

Manager Eddie Howe has worked hard to ensure that his side build on their performances from last term, as much by keeping the squad together as bringing in new faces.

One player he wasn't able to keep was striker Lewis Grabban, but they do boast impressive depth up front, which could be a key factor in any success they have over the next nine months.

Pre-season has certainly been promising for the side, with just one defeat from their seven outings, a run which includes victory over Premier League outfit Swansea City.

Huddersfield Town have also impressed in recent friendlies, holding Newcastle United to a draw in their last outing, but their 2013-14 season as a whole was in stark contrast to Bournemouth.

While the Yorkshire club were never in any real danger of being dragged into the relegation battle, they didn't manage to find any sort of consistency throughout the season.

Unless they can find that increased level of performance on a regular basis then it is hard to see them improving too much on their 17th-place finish this time around.

Mark Robins hasn't been too busy in the transfer market either, although young midfielder Conor Coady did arrive from Liverpool earlier this week.

He will look to help Town push for a top-half finish, but could be forced to wait for his debut.

Recent form

Huddersfield: WWLWLD

Bournemouth: WWLWWW

Possible starting lineups

Huddersfield: Smithies; Lynch, Wallace, Peltier, Dixon; Hammill, Hogg, Clayton, Norwood; Majewski; Wells

Bournemouth: Buchel; Smith, Cook, Elphick, Daniels; Ritchie, Gosling, O'Kane, Pugh; Kermorgant, Wilson

Sports Mole says: 0-2

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