Norwich City vs AFC Bournemouth Preview

Article by Colin Rowe

Norwich go into this weekend’s home game against south coasters Bournemouth full of confidence having seen off Crawley Town 3-1 in the League Cup to secure their fourth successive victory this season.

A goal from new-boy Cameron Jerome and a brace for Josh Murphy was enough to win a hard fought encounter with the League One side, which featured many products of Norwich’s youth system, otherwise known as the fruits of Neil Adams labours.

The Cherries season so far has been a little inconsistent with good wins over Huddersfield and Brentford being backed-up with disappointing losses against Nottingham Forrest and Blackburn.

The game, of cause, takes on extra significance with Norwich’s new star striker Lewis Grabben, currently on four goals in four games, singing from Bournemouth over the summer.

During his tenure at Dean Court the bearded wonder played 87 games scoring 35 goals.

While the Bournemouth defence and management will certainly know what to expect from the striker, he is in fine form and full of confidence and it would take a brave person to bet against him making it five out of five.

In other news, the imminently closing transfer window is throwing up is usual round of sudden developments.

Talented youngster Conor McGrandles has joined from Falkirk, while speculation of Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe joining the ranks at Carrow Road remain strong.

Heading in the opposite direction, there are rumours about Crystal Palace making a move for Sebastian Bassong.

Quite frankly, it is unlikely this will disappoint many City fans. While he was great during the 2012/ 13 campaign, last season he was slow, lazy and error prone.

As referenced numerous times by e-Norwich last season, there is no way a centre back should be beaten to a header by Nathan Dyer.

Ryan Bennett underwent ankle surgery after the Ipswich game and is expected to be out for 6 to 8 weeks, while back-up goalkeeper Mark Bunn suffered a similar injury.

Jonny Howson and Gary Hooper are both back to light training and will return to the squad within a fortnight.

Norwich also have a number of players called up for international duty, with Nathan Redmond (England U21s), Josh Murphy (England U20s), Alex Tettey (Norway), Kyle Lafferty (Northern Ireland), Wes Hoolahan (Republic of Ireland), Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker (both Scotland) all getting the nod from their national sides.

Tactically, it is hard to see Neil Adams changing the system which has worked so well in the last four games.

It was mentioned on this blog after the first game of the season that Norwich badly needed to get back to winning ways and find some confidence and they have certainly done this, but it is vital to keep the momentum going in what is a tough and long campaign to get back to the Premiership.

Jerome has certainly staked his claim to a starting place, while fellow newbie Carlos Cuellar looked a little of the pace (let’s not even bring up the own goal).

However, where exactly Jerome fits into the starting XI is a difficult question.

Josh Murphy, already a firm fan favourite, has also staked a substantial claim to a more central place in the squad.

In all honesty, it would be foolish to think there will be any substantial changes and sensible money would be on Adams naming as unchanged a side as possible.

Predicted Line-Up: Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin, Turner, Garrido, Johnson, Tettey, Redmond, Hoolahan, Lafferty, Grabben

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