Early relegation six-pointer sees Norwich City host Bournemouth

In a clash at the bottom of the Premier League table, 20th-placed Norwich City take on 19th-placed Bournemouth at Carrow Road in which is a massive fixture for both sides.

Both sides were beaten heavily in the Premier League last weekend. Bournemouth were beaten 3-0 at Dean Court with goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure, Troy Deeney and Roberto Pereyra as Watford’s victory lifted them out of the relegation zone at the expense of the Cherries.

Meanwhile, Norwich were outclassed by Manchester United at Old Trafford. The young trio of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood also scored goals with Rashford getting a brace in that game.

Team news

Norwich’s Teemu Pukki is back after a thigh injury, while captain Ben Godfrey returns after missing the last five league games with a knee problem.

Josip Drmic is fit after a hamstring injury and new signings Lukas Rupp and Ondrej Duda could also feature.

Injury-hit Bournemouth remain without Joshua King and Jack Stacey, who are sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale could be fit, having missed the defeat by Watford because of a minor hamstring problem.

Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke says he is surprised to see Bournemouth in this position under Eddie Howe:

“I wouldn’t label one game as easy or winnable,” he said. “We always have to be at our best level in order to have a chance. We’ve sadly proven that we will also lose games against top sides if we’re not at our best level.

“It’s always important to be defensively solid, brave and calm the nerves to be well structured. There’s a balance between confidence and discipline – that will be key against Bournemouth.

“You wouldn’t expect them to be in this position, but it says a lot about how competitive this league is,” Farke added. “They have a top coach with Eddie Howe who has done a fantastic job over the years. It’s a good club with fantastic players and team spirit, but even they can struggle when certain details aren’t perfect because small margins can make a huge difference.”

AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe will again be without the services of Joshua King and Jack Stacey for AFC Bournemouth’s Premier League clash with Norwich City tomorrow.

“Josh King and Jack Stacey both sustained hamstring injuries over the festive period and will miss the trip to Carrow Road (3pm kick-off).

“The pair have both sat out the Premier League defeats by West Ham and Watford and were also unavailable for the FA Cup third-round win against Luton.

“Meanwhile, Howe said Nathan Ake, who returned from injury against the Hornets, had come through the game unscathed and would be in contention to face the Canaries.

“Aaron Ramsdale this week returned to light training after missing the Watford defeat due to a minor hamstring injury.

“Lloyd Kelly also trained this week but Junior Stanislas (calf) and Arnaut Danjuma (foot) remain sidelined.”

Head-to-head

Norwich have won only two of the past 14 league meetings (D6, L6). The teams drew 0-0 in the reverse fixture in October, one of only two clean sheets that Norwich have kept this season.