Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil reckons he will use the Premier League relegation showdown vs Everton as a yardstick to test the mentality of his players.
Having defied the odds to stay in the top-flight with relative ease this season, the Cherries visit Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm) knowing the result will have zero impact on their fortunes. However, there are enough nerves in the air with Everton still fighting to stay up.
Survival remains in their hands, though, with a two-point cushion on Leeds United and Leicester City below them. For all intents and purposes, this game is a dead-rubber for Bournemouth in 15th position - but O'Neil has urged his men to show their mettle regardless.
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During his pre-match press conference, O'Neil said: "I think it's a really good test for us. I'm looking forward to seeing where we are in it, how we cope with what the atmosphere may look like, how we cope with what Everton are as a side, because they are very direct, [and they] ask a lot of questions of you."
He added: "We've struggled with things like that in the past, the West Ham [home] game. Similar direct side.
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"Everton will be direct, the atmosphere will be tough and what a great opportunity for the players to go and show what a good side we are. See how we can stand up to the questions that are undoubtedly going to be asked of us.
"So a real good marker for me with the last game of the season, going into a summer break and then pre-season to just see where we are, against what will be a real good test."
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