The Tangerines head into the game with one point from their opening three matches, following their midweek loss to Coventry City.
Speaking ahead of the game against the Cherries, Seasiders boss Neil Critchley revealed he's working hard to improve his side defensively, and said: “We’ve spoken about that (as an area to improve). We didn’t concede a lot of chances against Bristol City but we did in our two home games (the defeats to Cardiff City and Coventry City).
“A lot of those chances probably come when the game is open in transitional moments, when the ball drops down, they pick it up and are on our back four quite quickly. It’s something for us to look at and try to get better at, but we have felt a little bit more open.
“Again, we’re playing against better teams and better players, so I’d expect us to find it harder. But it’s definitely something we need to look at and do better with.”
He continued: “It’s (starting games slowly) something we need to solve. We have to find a way of getting a better foothold in the game earlier, especially at home. We can’t allow teams to come here and dictate the game to us.
“We’ve got to dictate the game to them in terms of how we want to play. In the second half, we were the team dictating. They were playing on the break and we had them pinned back in their own half. But we’ve got to try to do that from the start.”
Take a look at the latest news round-up from the second tier, as the window moves closer to its final week:
1. Cherries poised for double deal
Bournemouth look to be closing in on a double deal, with moves for both free agent Gary Cahill and Manchester City's starlet Morgan Rogers. The latter is expected to join on a loan deal, with an option to sign him permanently for £9m next summer. (Sky Sports) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
2. Gunners close in on Ramsdale
Arsenal are edging closer to completing a move for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is believed to have had a medical at the club. He earned a place in England's squad for Euro 2020, after playing all 38 league games for the Blades last season. (90min) Photo: Catherine Ivill
3. Danjuma heads to La Liga
Villarreal have completed the signing of Arnaut Danjuma from Bournemouth, in a deal that could be worth over £21m. The Netherlands international has signed a five-year deal with the Europa League winners. (Club website) Photo: Alex Pantling
4. Elphick announces retirement
Ex-Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town made Tommy Elphick has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33. He made close to 400 appearances during his playing career, and helped three different clubs achieve promotion. (The 72) Photo: Nathan Stirk
5. Palmer backs Baggies to sign Dike
Ex-footballer Carlton Palmer has backed his boyhood club West Brom to make a move for ex-Barnsley loan sensation Daryl Dike. The USA international thrived at Oakwell last season, scoring nine goals in just 14 starts for the club. (Transfer Tavern) Photo: Alex Livesey
6. Valerien tight-lipped on Zohore future
West Brom boss Valerien Ismael has refused to comment on the future of striker Kenneth Zohore, insisting he prefers not to discuss players not part of his match-day squad. He's been linked with the likes of Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday in the past. (Birmingham Mail) Photo: Jacques Feeney