Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has declared that his side are in good shape ahead of their Premier League campaign.

The Cherries drew 0-0 against Hoffenheim in their final match of pre-season, and Howe is confident that his side are now ready for the rigours of the top flight, although he is yet to pick his starting lineup for their opener.

He told the club's official website: "I think it has been a good pre-season for us. The training has been very intense, the players have been excellent in their approach to their work and the games have been very competitive.

"We have had to show different sides to our game, which is something we will have to do this season. The most important thing is the players look fit and that most have come through it without any injuries. The players have improved due to a combination of things.

"They all came back fit, which is a big help for us because we can move things on quickly. We had to develop and the team is a lot stronger than it was last season. The lads still have a week to impress me in training and nothing will be decided until our last training session."

Bournemouth face Aston Villa next week in their top-flight opener at Dean Court.