Bournemouth-Sunderland: New month, new start for the Black Cats?

Jermain Defoe: Former Cherry. PIcture by FRANK REID

But the clocks have gone back, so does the change of seasons bring a change of results?

Today looks a tough assignment. Bournemouth are one of the form teams at home in the Premier League.

After losing 3-1 at home to Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season, the Cherries have strung together an outstanding run of results, beating West Brom and Everton (both 1-0) before taking the micky out of Hull 6-1. Last time out they drew 0-0 with title hopefuls Tottenham.

That run of three wins and a draw at Dean Court to lift them to 10th in the division.

Club-record £15million signing Jordon Ibe has shown flashes of his talent, his direct running causing problems to defences, whether he has been coming in off the right or driving through the middle.

Junior Stanislas has also been a dangerman, as he proved in the rout of Hull last month, he was involved in four of his side’s goals.

Bournemouth may be no great shakes away from home but at Dean Court they have looked pretty warm – the Black Cats must stifle Eddie Howe’s main men.

And when a chance comes they must take it. Jermain Defoe, who scored 19 times in 30 appearances for the Cherries early in his career, could be required to haunt his former club today.