Norwich City look to move closer towards automatic promotion as they welcome play-off chasing Bournemouth to Carrow Road.
Victory could see Norwich move 11 points clear of Watford at the top of the Championship if the Hornets lose away at Luton on Saturday lunchtime.
Bournemouth meanwhile can go fourth with a win if Brentford lose to Millwall during Saturday’s early kick-offs.
This match could also see Daniel Farke’s Canaries promoted if they defeat Jonathan Woodgate’s Cherries, although Norwich could be promoted before kick off if Swansea and Brentford both lose their lunchtime matches
Team News
Norwich have no fresh injury concerns after claiming a narrow away win at Derby last weekend.
Ben Gibson (ankle), Michael McGovern, Christoph Zimmerman, Sam Byram Lukas Rupp (all hamstring) and Adam Idah (hernia) remain absent.
Bournemouth have no fresh injury concerns to report as Shane Long faces a late fitness test on a groin injury.
Lewis Cook remains ruled out with a knee injury.
Stat Attack
- Norwich have taken four points from three previous Championship meetings against Bournemouth (W1, D1, L1).
- Bournemouth haven’t won any of four away trips to Carrow Road since dropping ‘& Boscombe Athletic’ from their name (D2, L2).
- Kieran Dowell has scored in Norwich’s last two games, which is the first time that he has scored in consecutive matches since four goals in two games for Wigan last July.
- Philip Billing has scored in Bournemouth’s last two away trips (W2).
- Graham Scott is taking charge of a Norwich home game for the first time this season.
Prediction
This could be a huge occasion for Norwich because if results go their way earlier in the day, they can play without any pressure and are currently unbeaten in 13 matches which will boost their confidence in this tough contest after often scrapping their way to eight points in their last four games.
Bournemouth meanwhile have rediscovered their spark with just one defeat in their last six matches across all competitions, which was evident by a strong all-round performance in their midweek win over Huddersfield.
On that note, I am expecting a proper entertaining battle here because Norwich have proven how difficult they can be to break down, yet Bournemouth are beginning to click again as the attacking team that they are capable of being when everything comes together.
I therefore hoping to see a thriller at Carrow Road and although a score draw would be a solid prediction, something in me thinks that Bournemouth could spring a surprise.
Prediction: Norwich 1-2 Bournemouth
Result: Norwich 1-3 Bournemouth
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