Shakespeare Braced For Bournemouth

- Craig Shakespeare expects AFC Bournemouth to be a tough opponent for Leicester City
- The Cherries travel to King Power Stadium on the final day this Sunday (3pm kick-off)
- City are yet to defeat Bournemouth since their visitors' promotion to the Premier League 
- Shakespeare wants his side to confirm their place in the top half of the table with a win

Craig Shakespeare has warned his Leicester City players they will come up against an “excellent footballing side” in AFC Bournemouth (3pm kick-off). 

The Cherries will be City’s final opponents of the 2016/17 campaign at King Power Stadium and the victors will be rewarded with a place in the Premier League’s top-half.

Shakespeare says he is determined to prepare his side for what is likely to be an intriguing encounter with Eddie Howe’s men. 

On the back of defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, the Foxes will be keen to go into the summer off the back of a positive result.

Shakespeare, who has enjoyed eight victories in his 15 matches as manager to date, used his pre-match press briefing as a chance to tip his hat to Howe’s achievements. 

“It’s important for everyone, for the players, for the supporters, we want to finish as high as we can,” he said.

“We can only finish [in the top half] now but it is important we finish on a high. And we can finish above Bournemouth but we do need to put in the kind of performance we have of late. 

“They’re an excellent footballing side. Eddie has done a marvellous job there, it’s their second season [in the Premier League]. I expect them to come and give us a good game.” 

Discussing Howe’s spell at Vitality Stadium, Shakespeare said the 39-year-old can look forward to a long and successful career in the game.

Since their promotion two years ago, Bournemouth are yet to suffer defeat against the Foxes, with this clash the fourth top-flight meeting between the pair.

“I have come up against him quite a few times now,” the City boss added.

“He always comes across as an amiable guy but he has that steeliness that you need at times too. I like watching Bournemouth and the way they play and I think they have been a credit to the Premier League this season.”