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Richard Stearman: Wolves owe Bournemouth one

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Defender Richard Stearman reckons Wolves "owe" Bournemouth one tonight. more

The last meeting between the sides was overshadowed by the sending offs of Matt Doherty and Rajiv Van La Parra, whose red card was later rescinded.

The burning sense of injustice led to Wolves owner-chairman Steve Morgan marching down to the pitch to confront referee Mike Jones after the 2-1 defeat.

Now as in-form Wolves prepare to make the return journey to the Goldsands Stadium this evening, centre-back Stearman believes they need to redress the balance.

And after three straight wins and 13 goals in their last five games - four of which have been won - they are in confident mood to carry out a revenge mission.

"We feel like owe them one and we go there full of confidence," said Stearman. "It was proved to be the case as Rajiv's sending off was rescinded.

"There was a slight sense of injustice, but that happens in football, and we're going there hoping for three points.

"We showed before we had a couple of men sent off that we can be a good test for them and it was unfortunate we didn't come away with something."

By contrast to Wolves, Bournemouth have picked up just three points from the last 15 available and haven't won in their last five outings.

Stearman is anxious to prolong the Cherries' run and is also keen to extend the seven-point gap below eighth-placed Wolves.

"They're having a little bit of a wobble at the moment but they're up there for a reason," said the 27-year-old stopper.

"They drew 0-0 at home to Blackburn on Saturday and the top eight are concertina-ing up and we're on a good run so we're looking forward to it.

"They've done very well this season and technically they're a very good team so it's going to be a different test to what we faced on Saturday."

Stearman is in arguably his most solid run of form in his near seven-year Wolves career.

"I'm delighted with the way I'm playing and I'm really happy with the way it's going and long may it continue," he said.

Alongside him, captain Danny Batth is also in a solid groove as he prepares for his second century of Wolves appearances after hitting the 100 mark in his 80th consecutive League game in Saturday's 1-0 win at Cardiff.

Stearman is delighted with Batth and their partnership.

"Well done Danny!" he said.

"From last season through to this one he's been a colossus back there and I really enjoy playing with him.

"Hopefully that shows on the pitch and how well we work together."

Head coach Kenny Jackett has also been highly impressed with Batth and Stearman and has backed the skipper to become the first Wolves outfield player to appear in back-to-back 46-game campaigns.

"I think he's capable of it, yes," said the boss. "He has the physical fitness and he's in a position that you can play every game. I think it's easier to do that then in other positions.

"Goalkeeper, full-back centre-back are the three positions that do remain consistent - if you can - with regard to selection.

"He's done very well and he's brought a lot to the team and a lot to the club.

"His attitude is fantastic and I felt during this season that he's improved as well.

"Making sure you're prepared, being on top form all of the time are things you would want to be.

"Retaining that focus is a big thing and Danny's been able to do that and has improved during the season, as is his form."

Jackett feels it's a partnership that can continue to flourish.

"At the moment both Batth and Stearman are playing very well against good opposition consistently - as well as they have in my time here," he said.

"Their partnership is the one I've picked the most - there's not another partnership that's even near that.

"Their form has been very good of late and I've seen improvement since I've been here and during this season in both of them and that's important."

Wolves clinched their third successive clean sheet on Saturday despite a late aerial bombardment after Peter Whittingham was sent off.

Patient passing side Bournemouth would appear to offer a different test to Cardiff but Jackett said: "They do but in Yann Kermorgant they have heading ability.

"You could see against Blackburn he had two very good headers that hit the bar.

"Where Bournemouth's success lies this year is they have a bit of both.

"They've got a big back four and they also have powerful forwards in Callum Wilson and Yann Kermorgant and very good footballers in midfield where you need them.

"So it's no surprise that they are where they are in the table."

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