Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has heaped praise on "outstanding" Leicester City following their meteoric rise in the first half of the Premier League season.
The Foxes have surpassed all expectations in the top flight this term, ending the year level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table having lost just two of their opening 19 matches.
The Cherries will attempt to become only the third team to beat Claudio Ranieri's side when they meet at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, but Howe is wary of the threat that the hosts will pose.
"Leicester have certainly been the surprise of the season, in terms of the positive aspect of being at the top of the league. They have been outstanding, they really have," he told reporters.
"They have a way of playing and a hard-working group of players, the attitude and commitment of their players in every game has been second to none and they have got match winners in their squad, so it is full credit to them, the players and coaching staff for what they have achieved so far this season.
"It is no fluke, they deserve to be where they are."
Bournemouth did manage to hold Leicester to a draw in the reverse fixture at the Vitality Stadium in August, only being denied all three points by a late Jamie Vardy penalty.
Barney Corkhill
