Manager Eddie Howe wants his team to rediscover their "heroic" defending as Bournemouth look to get the Premier League campaign back on track by beating Watford.

The Cherries had been looking to push on into the top half of the table following a solid opening to the season.

However, 2017 so far has yielded just one point - from a draw against Arsenal where they had been 3-0 up at home - and seen an early exit from the FA Cup at Millwall before losing again at relegation-battlers Hull last weekend.

Bournemouth have shipped some nine goals in the past three outings.

Howe believes getting things right at the back once more will provide the platform needed to move forward.

"It doesn't sound great that statistic and it is not something we will hide from," the Bournemouth manager said.

"It is a strange one, the lads have produced some heroic defensive performances at times, but the goals (against us) have come from nothing, when we have been in control.

"None more so than last week when we dominated at Hull and the first time they get really near our box, we concede."

Howe added: "The only thing you can do is to work harder on all aspects of the team, that is a very obvious statement, but the whole team has to function together.

"We have not been good to watch since the Arsenal game and this weekend is a good chance for us to put things right."

Watford come to the Vitality Stadium having slipped down to 14th place following a run of six defeats out of the last 10 league matches.

The Hornets beat Burton in their FA Cup third-round tie, but then could only manage a goalless draw at home against Middlesbrough on what was an emotional occasion following the sudden death of former manager Graham Taylor.

Despite their own inconsistencies, Howe is not expecting an easy ride against Walter Mazzarri's side.

"Watford have some very talented players and tactically are very good," Howe said.

"They have reverted to a back three which served them well at times last season and they are very well managed.

"There has always been very little between the teams.

"But this game has to be about ourselves and making sure that off the back of our last two games, we improve.

"Following our recent games, we have to try to be tighter at the back and be ruthless when we get those chances."

Bournemouth have been linked with a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, and are also on the look out for more defensive cover following the early return of Nathan Ake to Stamford Bridge from his season-long loan.

Howe, though, knows the January market is traditionally a tough one from which to pick up a bargain.

He said: "We are looking, but I can't guarantee that we will be doing anything."