FORMER Cherries and Southampton star Jimmy Case has delivered his verdict on the south coast rivals' League One quests - and he believes defence could be the best form of attack for Eddie Howe's men.

Big spending Saints are the overwhelming title favourites, while Howe is tasked with building a side capable of making a successful step up to the third tier.

And ex-midfield hardman Case feels the Cherries backline will be key to the Dean Court outfit achieving their aims.

"Bournemouth may have to be a thwarting side next season," he said.

"They have to stop goals going in. If you get that part of your game right, you've always got a chance to win a game or a sequence of games.

"If your defence is playing out of their skin and your goalkeeper is keeping clean sheets, you can be sure you will get a chance in a game.

"A great example of how to do it is Tony Pulis at Stoke, who gets the players working hard, brings in no-nonsense players at the back and achieves success.

"If Bournemouth can, they should go that way."

He added: "Southampton have the financial backing and it's how you formulate your squad for the season.

"It will be much more difficult for Bournemouth with the financial restrictions they have.

"You are looking at there being a bit of quality in the squad of Southampton because they want promotion.

"They missed out on it last year but I still think Alan Pardew did a very good job and fully deserves the chance to see what he can do this season."