Preview: Rotherham United vs. Bournemouth

Championship leaders Bournemouth head into Saturday's meeting with Rotherham United on the back of a rare disappointment in their promotion bid.

Despite taking an early lead and playing against 10 men for long spells of the second half, Bournemouth were unable to avoid slipping to a 2-1 loss to Norwich City as Cameron Jerome secured the points late on for the visitors at Dean Court.

That defeat ended Bournemouth's 14-game unbeaten run in the league, but it wasn't enough to knock Eddie Howe's side off top spot as they remain ahead of Derby County on goal difference.

However, the Cherries could be in second before they get underway against Rotherham if Derby manage to pick up a win against Nottingham Forest in Saturday's early kickoff.

Howe could be tempted to make changes to the side which suffered defeat, but it remains unlikely that he will stray too far from the plans which have delivered success this season.

At the other end of the table, Rotherham are just three points above the relegation zone, and the club looked to give the squad a boost this week by announcing the signing of Connor Sammon, who is expected to be in the squad against Bournemouth.

There could also be recalls for both Jordan Bowery and Conor Newton as Steve Evans looks to upset the odds and deal another blow to Bournemouth's promotion bid.

Rotherham:

Form in Championship: DDWDDL Form in all competitions: DWDDLL

Possible starting lineup: Collin, Wootton, Morgan, Arnason, James, Green, Smallwood; Newton, Hammill, Bowery, Derbyshire

Bournemouth:

Form in Championship: WWWWWL Form in all competitions: LWWWWL

Possible starting lineup: Boruc; Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels; Ritchie, Arter, Surman, Pugh; Pitman, Wilson

Sports Mole says: 0-2