Set before Bournemouth and Norwich is a chance to head into the last 8 of one of England’s domestic cup competitions this season as the two teams lock horns at the Vitality stadium on Tuesday night. Since the 0-4 loss to Burnley in late September, Bournemouth have remained unbeaten in 5 games in all competitions. That run began in the previous round of this competition, a 3-2 win over Blackburn Rovers and was rounded off in a 3-0 win over Fulham at the weekend. Eddie Howe will be seeking a continuation of that streak. Daniel Farke’s and Norwich's primary goal this season is to secure promotion to the Premier League. Anything else will be a bonus for the team. Norwich’s qualification for this round was secured in an exhilarating 4-3 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the third round. If both teams experience in the previous round has any bearing on this game, we should be in for an exciting game.
Bournemouth’s form going into this game is quite promising for a team of their stature. They have kept a clean sheet in each of their last 3 games and are sat 6th above more illustrious teams like Manchester United and Everton on 20 points from 10 games. They have scored 7 goals from their last 3 games in the league and are quite comfortable on home soil this season. The Cherries have scored at least 2 goals in all but one of their home matches this season and have also scored at least 2 goals in 9 of their 12 games played so far. With an eye on the Manchester United at the weekend, and games against Arsenal and Manchester City around the corner, Eddie Howe is likely to view this fixture as the one to rest the spine of his team.
Norwich’s League Cup hopes were dashed at this point last season by Arsenal and Daniel Farke will be hoping to go at least one step further. The Championship side are in good form coming into this game. Their 1-0 win over Brentford at the weekend made it 3 straight wins in the league. In the last 10 games across all competitions, the Canaries have won 8, drawn 1 and lost 1. They are also a good travelling team this season as they have won 5 and drawn 2 of their last 7 games on the road. Daniel Farke’s team have already claimed the scalp of a premier league team this season - Cardiff in the 2nd round of this competition and will be hoping to add another tomorrow.
Team News
Charlie Daniels returned at the weekend for Bournemouth and is available for selection while Jordan Ibe and Junior Stanislas who have been limited in game time by Ryan Fraser and David Brooks should get a start. Joshua King was unavailable at the weekend and will be assessed ahead of the game.
Ivo Pinto, Kenny McLean, Matt Jarvis and Grant Hanley are all sidelined for the Canaries while Tommy Trybull will likely come in for Alex Tettey. Farke will need to decide if he wants to play a full strength team or rotate a bit. Teemu Pukki ongoing absence continues due to a muscle injury. Jordan Rhodes is likely to lead the line. He notched a hat-trick in the last round of this competition for Norwich.
Verdict
Bournemouth stability as a Premier League team and their home form should prove too much for the Canaries. Expect an exciting match and a victory for the Cherries
Comments