Bournemouth welcome Brentford to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, looking to build on from their encouraging performances pre-international break.

The Cherries haven’t lost since their heavy 9-0 defeat to Liverpool at the end of August and they currently sit just outside the top half of the table.

They came from two goals down to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2, before holding Newcastle United to a 1-1 draw last time out.

Their September form has been recognised, as interim boss Gary O’Neil was nominated for the manager of the month award and there has even been talk of him getting the Bournemouth job on a permanent basis.

But it will be a tough test for them this weekend as Thomas Frank’s Brentford travel to the south coast, hoping to bounce back from their 3-0 loss against Arsenal a fortnight ago.

On takeover talk

Rumours have circled around the club recently that a takeover is nearing completion but O’Neil is adamant that it won’t affect the players.

“Richard Hughes and Neill Blake, I’m in regular contact with and they keep me up to date on what I need to know and obviously happy with that and where everything is.

“But in terms of updates, nothing at all from me.

“I know exactly where things are and I’m happy with my situation, which is still being tasked to take the team until further notice, which I’m delighted to do.

“I don’t think the takeover or whatever is going on in the background has any impact on myself or the playing squad or how we prepare or how we feel.”

On his manager of the month nomination

The former Portsmouth midfielder was named on a three-man shortlist for the Premier League manager of the month award.

He was named alongside Tottenham’s Antonio Conte and Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag on the shortlist, with the Red Devils manager coming out on top.

“Since somebody told me about it when it happened and since just then when you asked me about it, I didn’t think about it at all in between!

“Hopefully we win a game on Saturday and that gives more reason to talk about whatever they want to talk about.

“But the result and how the team are doing is just of sole importance.”

On Captain Lloyd Kelly’s injury

The Bournemouth skipper missed his sides 1-1 draw with Newcastle in their last outing due to an ankle injury that he picked up in training.

But O’Neil is still unsure with regards to the severity of the injury.

“We’re not 100 per cent sure how long he’ll be, to be honest.

“The physios are working with him hard on getting him back as soon as possible, obviously.

“Hopefully we get him back quickly, but the timeframe isn’t completely clear yet.

On the rest of the team news

The 39-year-old still has a number of important first team players missing for Saturday’s clash with The Bees.

Ryan Fredericks, Ben Pearson and Joe Rothwell missed the last Premier League fixture but O’Neil has provided a fresh update on when they might return.

“The boys that are on their way back are doing really well.

“Ben Pearson and Joe Rothwell are getting real close. Ryan Fredericks has made big improvements.

“But I’m delighted with where the group are as a whole.

“Excited to see what the boys can produce again on Saturday, in front of our own fans.”