TEAM NEWS

Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie is rated as 50/50 because of a dead leg and could be replaced by on-loan Roma winger Juan Iturbe, who awaits his first start.

Lewis Grabban could play against his former club after rejoining the Cherries from Norwich this week.

Norwich have no new injury problems, but midfielder Gary O'Neil begins a three-game ban.

Full-back Ivo Pinto will not be involved as he continues to settle following a move from Dinamo Zagreb.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Martin Fisher: "Bournemouth have lost their way since Christmas - the incredible highs of beating Chelsea and Manchester United replaced by a winless run of four games in which they've scored once.

"Hence the expensive acquisitions of Benik Afobe and Lewis Grabban. Of course, the latter joined from Norwich, so he has to play in this one, doesn't he?

"The Canaries have already lost seven games on the road but they did win at the Vitality Stadium last January in Alex Neil's first game in charge.

"That victory set them on their way to the Premier League. A repeat will be a huge boost in keeping them there."

Twitter: @martfisher1 

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "All three of our new players [Benik Afobe, Lewis Grabban and Juan Iturbe] are really good characters.

"It's nice to have done early business but it's all relative. We're trying to ensure we have enough strength in depth.

"The squad looks in better shape now, I believe. We've got players that can really make a difference."

Norwich manager Alex Neil: "I don't think it's any surprise that Bournemouth have invested heavily in the squad. If they've got the money, it's up to them.

"It's a crucial game for us, as it is for Bournemouth.

"If we win, we extend our lead over them to five points but it won't be the deciding factor. There's a long way to go."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Norwich's away form has been poor and I think Bournemouth's new firepower will make the difference. If they win, the Cherries go above the Canaries, and that is what I think will happen.

Prediction: 2-1

Lawro's full predictions v Creed stars Jordan & Bellew

• Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor game.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Bournemouth have not beaten Norwich in six attempts since October 1959, when they won 3-2 at Carrow Road in a Division Three game.
• Norwich have won their last two games away at Bournemouth in all competitions by a 2-1 scoreline after conceding the first goal.

Bournemouth

• Eddie Howe's side have only won one of their last seven home matches in the Premier League (D3, L3).
• Bournemouth have claimed just one point from losing positions this season, the lowest tally in the top flight.
• They have scored six Premier League goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches this term - the joint-highest figure in the division (level with Stoke).
• The Cherries have scored a league-high 26% of their goals with shots from outside the penalty area.
• Benik Afobe is one of only four current Premier League players to have scored at least 30 league goals since the start of last season, alongside Harry Kane, Odion Ighalo and Sergio Aguero.

Norwich City

• Norwich are the only side yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League this season.
• They have conceded 25 times on their travels - only Sunderland, with 30, have a worse record.
• Aside from a four-match losing streak in October, the Canaries have not suffered back-to-back defeats in this season's Premier League.