Eddie Howe relying on Bournemouth fans to lift players toward promotion

The Cherries take on Sheffield Wednesday at the Goldsands Stadium today followed by the visit of Bolton nine days later and then a last-day trip to Charlton.

“The pleasing thing is our home form has improved as the season has gone on,” said Howe.

“We have become more consistent, more adept at dealing with the different problems and how teams set up against us. Hopefully the crowd can inspire us because we are going to need them more than ever.”

Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic refuses to look beyond today’s home game against Birmingham as his third-placed side bid to climb back into the top two. “That is our only focus,” he said.

Steve McClaren’s Derby must improve on their recent away form at Huddersfield if they are to secure a play-off finish.

The Rams have won only one of their last seven games on the road.

Of the other teams battling it out for play-off places, Mick McCarthy takes Ipswich to Wolves for a tasty clash against his former club, while Brentford face Bolton at Griffin Park.

Wigan will be relegated for the second time in three seasons if they fail to beat Brighton.