DEFENDER Chris Mepham believes Cherries will have to come through a “physical” test against Coventry to reach the Championship summit tomorrow (7.45pm).

Jason Tindall’s men are set to do battle with the Sky Blues at St Andrew’s, knowing victory would take them into top spot ahead of Saturday’s fixtures.

Coventry, promoted as champions of League One on points-per-game average last season, have picked up four points from their opening three league games.

Mark Robins’s side were beaten by Bristol City in their league opener, before victory over Queen’s Park Rangers was followed up by a goalless draw at Barnsley last time out.

And centre-half Mepham believes Coventry will provide a difficult challenge.

He told the Daily Echo: “The Championship is known for being relentless and Coventry on Friday will be no different.

“I expect it to be a physical match.”

He added: “When we were in the Premier League, we would look at the top teams in the league and would want to make it difficult for them.

“I’d imagine they will be giving us that respect as well.

“We know what we are going to be up against. It’s just important we get another three points and, hopefully, come Friday night we can be top of the league.”