We have to make sure we take care of business

Last updated : 28 August 2012 By Tony Scholes

The two managers won't be strangers either; they played together for Bournemouth and remain good friends, to the point where Eddie Howe joked with Fletcher that maybe they could both play in this game.

"I spoke to him after the draw and he suggested we should both play," Fletcher joked. "I told him that I think I'd last about two minutes."

Now, a couple of weeks on, he said: "He's got a lot of options, so I don't want to waste too much time trying to second guess him. He's got some good quality players at his disposal and can obviously change a few things from the weekend and rest a few players, or maybe keep it the same.

"So, like we do for any game, we try to prep for what we need to do and concentrate on what we need to do."

Speaking about Howe, and his own plans, he added: "I don't think you try to copy anyone. He'd done really well in management, especially with Bournemouth. He's fervent and a winner. He doesn't like losing to anyone, let alone me.

"Any manager wants to do well, to aspire to certain things, and I'm not different, but you have to keep plugging away.

"We're looking forward to it (tonight's game). Burnley are a good Championship side who, a couple of years ago, were in the Premier League.

"It will be a real tough test for us, but one to look forward to. Nothing is really expected of us, no one is expecting us to get a result, so there's no pressure. We had a similar game against Portsmouth (in the previous round). It was a no lose situation. It's nice to go up there and be able to concentrate on what we need to do."

Howe has stressed just how important this game is, but has also indicated he'll make changes.

"It's an important game for us," he said. We are back on home soil and hopefully we can be positive and carry on where we left off against Bolton.

"They are always difficult games and we may well rotate our squad as well and have a look at a couple of other players, so it's a good chance for them to step up to the plate.

"Plymouth are no mugs. I know Carl very well and I am sure he will be determined to win the game. So we have to make sure first of all we win the match, but I still think we can do that.

"If you look at our bench, a lot of those players were regular starters for us last year. A few have picked up injuries and are returning to fitness so it will be good to give them some match time.

"We have to make sure we take care of business and have half an eye on Saturday as well, which is so important to us.

"You always have players who aren't playing who want to play and there are a few that definitely need a game, returning from injury etc, so it's a good opportunity for us to put on a performance while rotating the squad.

"It's important we do that. You can't expect the same players to play 50 games a season. I think we suffered with that last year and hopefully we can mix things up a little bit and still be strong."