Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has insisted that he has treated every single game so far in the Championship as a "cup final", despite the next four being the most crucial in terms of the race for Premier League promotion.

The Cherries currently hold a one-point lead at the top of the table, and could potentially stretch that to four tomorrow night when they face Reading depending on the results of Norwich City and Middlesbrough.

Following their hard-fought 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday, captain Tommy Elphick described the remaining games as cup finals, but Howe has revealed that he has taken that approach throughout the season.

"From my viewpoint, every game is a cup final," Howe told Sports Mole. "I think when you're a manager and preparing for 46 league games - it may seem extreme to say 46 cup finals, but when you're responsible for the performances and the results, that's what they are to you.

"So, you prepare for each one individually and make sure you work as hard as you can and as thoroughly as you can to ensure that you get the right result."

Norwich and Watford currently sit one point behind the Cherries, while Middlesbrough reside two points from top spot.