18 Cup Finals Ahead For City

With 18 league games standing between the Canaries and a potential promotion back to the big time, how do Farke’s men need to go about their business between now and the end of the season?

The usual saying is; “if you average 2 points per game you’ll be promoted”. However, this season looks to be different for once with no team currently hitting that target, with Leeds currently two-points behind, City three-points behind that target, and Sheffield United and West Brom six-points behind. The average championship promotion points total is 92.7 over the past ten years.

Wolves won the title last season with 99-points, which is a mammoth 46-points ahead of City’s current total with only 56 points to play for. Cardiff who finished second ended on 90-points last season, if City is to hit a similar target they would need 37-points between now and the end of the campaign. 12 wins,1 draw and 5 defeats. This season a figure nearer to this would most likely be enough to yet again seal automatic-promotion and possibly even the title.

Current top 6 Games remaining against the top 6

Leeds- Norwich(H), M’Boro (A), West Brom (H), Sheff Utd (H)

Norwich- Sheff Utd(H), Leeds(A), M’Boro (A)

West Brom- M’Boro (H), Sheff Utd (H), Leeds(A), Derby (A)

Sheff Utd- Norwich(A), M’Boro (H), West Brom (A), Leeds (A)

M’Boro- West Brom (A). Leeds (H), Sheff Utd (A), Norwich(H)

Derby- West Brom (H)

The fact City play 2 of the top 6 in their two upcoming games could be massive in strengthening or weakening their credentials ahead of the crunch part of the season. With the small matter of the East Anglian Derby and a return of Paul Lambert to Carrow Road also a massive game upcoming. Playing sides away towards the bottom of the league who will be scrapping for safety may also play into City’s hands based on the away form this season. With City still to visit Bolton, Rotherham, Millwall, and Wigan.

With games against Stoke, Blackburn, and Villa in the run in before the end of the season you would hope City have accumulated enough points to be on the cusp of a potential automatic-promotion by then. Being they are all sides who may well have nothing to play for and pose an awkward task.

This season has more of a feel of the 2007/08 season when West Brom won the title with only 81 points in what was a very competitive season. Will Leeds blip continue with three out of four losses in the past games. Sheffield United look strong, but possibly lack that pace going forward. West Brom has a strong side on paper, but ultimately still haven’t lived up to full expectations. Middlesbrough are currently too inconsistent to challenge fully, and Derby will have hope being that they only have West Brom in the top 6 to play, but they are 7 points behind Norwich in second at this stage.

City, therefore, need to focus on themselves, keep injuries to a minimum and continue playing the same brand of football, and then even if automatic promotion evades them, they have what it takes in the playoffs to beat anyone on their day. And as the song goes; “Never Mind The Danger”.

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Are Clubs Too Quick To Fire Managers?

 

Are clubs always right in sacking managers when things don’t work straight away? And how long is too long for them to get it right?

Football is a ruthless business often completely driven by results and nothing but results. If things aren’t going in a particular way the reaction from fans often is to look at the manager and question whether he is the right man for the job. Football fans are entitled to an opinion as they pay their hard earned cash following their teams up-and-down the country and often across the world. However, it is easy to jump to results straight away without factoring in many factors such as progression and performances on and off the pitch.

Many clubs fall victim to sacking a manager without really outlining a plan or direction ahead of appointing a new manager or head coach. Norwich, once they sacked Alex Neil realised the club needed a new direction as it was stagnating, hence the reconstruction of the head coach and sporting director model. Stuart Webber came in and stripped the club from top to bottom which is a high-risk strategy and appointed new people in many positions. However, maybe the club shouldn’t have done this and should have stuck to the traditional English manager model according to a certain sports reporter and commentator last week.

On the 25th of May 2017, Norwich appointed Daniel Farke and outlined the new vision and brand of football that Norwich would play. Webber went on record on the day Farke was unveiled to say: “He’ll bring a certain style and identity to us that the fans can relate to”. Yet, any Norwich fan that was at the home games against Burton or Bolton last season would have been rightly quick to question and judge this sort of comment.

Norwich slowly wandered to a 14th place finish last season finishing on 60 points and the signs of progress were minimal. Many fans would have wondered whether Farke was the right man and whether this new structure was the right choice. The 5-1 demolition at Hillsborough to end the “transition” season and with the likely exit of the star man James Maddison many fans would have feared what this season had in store.

The savior of the 17/18 season James Maddison

The slow start to the season and Norwich lingering just above the relegation zone after the East Anglian derby on September 2nd (2018) even the patience of those willing to give it time would have worn thin. The away-end chanting; “Farke sort it out” after conceding to those lot down the road. I was always willing to give them the first season and despite no progress was happy to see where this season was going to lead us. Yet I couldn’t envision any way forward for Farke despite the improved performances at the start of this campaign. I never directly said to anyone I wanted him sacked but I wasn’t far off.

Yet here we are just over 3 months later second in the division playing arguably the best football I’ve ever seen us play (excluding Saturday) and 99% of Norwich fans are hoping for the gift of a new contract for Farke for Christmas. Patience does pay-off and many clubs should look at the way Norwich have handled this situation and follow suit. The belief in youth players, and allowing the foreign players and Farke himself, time to adjust to the English game has been refreshing to see as it’s something very rarely seen in the English game.

Ipswich had the branded “new era” at the start of the season with a young and hungry manager in Paul Hurst, and yet 3 months down the line he’s gone and they revert back to an older and experienced manager in Paul Lambert, who may become a short-term fix for their relegation problems, yet long-term it might come to bite them. However, I don’t support or even watch Ipswich other than the two times we face them in a season so who am I to comment I suppose.

Clubs like Swansea are in similar situation to Norwich last season, whereby expectation is still high and it is easy to criticize when things aren’t going to plan, but you have to believe and see a plan through and remain ‘patient’ something that doesn’t exist in football. Take pride in the bedding in of youth players, give the players time to adjust to a new playing style and eventually you’ll reap the rewards.

There is a long way to go yet this season but all the signs are positive with players returning from injury, a long unbeaten run and a never say die attitude. Keep behind Farke and the players even if there is a dip as ultimately patience and belief in your system is the key to success.

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Pukki Pummels Bolton With Late Winner

Another late show for Norwich as Teemu Pukki strikes deep into injury time to restore the lead for the Canaries and maintain their position at the top-of-the-table. The Canaries took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Mario Vrancic slotted home from outside of the box. Norwich doubled their lead on the hour mark when Vrancic turned provider for Stiepermann to finish it for 2-0.

Bolton reacted to this and got a goal back only four minutes later when Sammy Ameobi finished after a clever ball across by Andrew Taylor. Bolton looked to have stolen a point when they equalised after a scramble in the box when Mark Beevers turned in. Then as Todd Cantwell broke for Norwich Ameobi pulled him back to pick up his second yellow and was sent-off with a matter of minutes left. Then on the 93rd minute with just one minute left on the clock, Rhodes made himself a handful and knocked it down for Pukki to finish cleverly and help raise the roof off Carrow Road.

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Fans Reactions

Norwich fan Stanley went on record to say “I’m gonna have a heart attack at this rate” in reference to yet another late goal from Norwich. Even when Bolton pulled back the equaliser Stanley stated: “When they went down to 10 I still knew we would score”.

Bolton fan Ben Cowley was proud of the effort of his team today, he said: “The players were not paid the wages for November with only one win in 17”. In reference to the come back from two goals down for a Bolton side that has struggled for goals Ben said: “He was proud of the fight they showed”. He still remains with the view that Bolton need a “miracle” to survive.

Another Bolton fan I spoke to said: “He was proud of the effort” and “felt they deserved a point”. When asked about taking that performance forward for the rest of the season and the potential to survive he responded with, “The problem is we aren’t consistent enough”. Had Bolton have held on he said it would have been a “massive point” for Bolton.

I saw and spoke to Jordan Rhodes post-match a man who came off the bench for the Canaries today. When congratulating him on his performance Rhodes was thankful for the opportunity to impress off the bench again. He said: “the belief and togetherness are high” and this is evidently clear as yet again Norwich react from another setback.

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Farke said in his post-match interview: “I’m more pleased with the reaction after the equaliser because normally you lose such a game in the last five minutes”. Farke wasn’t concerned by the two goals that Norwich let slip, however, he praised the young defence. (BBC Sport)

Phil Parkinson the Bolton Wanderers manager spoke regarding the late goal saying: “That was hard to take, it really was. We took a very good Norwich side, who are top of the table, right down to the wire and there’s no doubt we deserved something out of the game”. (BBC Sport)

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Match Stats

Possession- Norwich 68% Bolton 32%

Shots- Norwich 21 Bolton 12

Shots on target Norwich 7 Bolton 4

Corners- Norwich 7 Bolton 0

Fouls- Norwich 7 Bolton 13

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Norwich vs Bolton Preview

After returning to winning ways against Rotherham last Saturday, the Canaries will be hoping for more of the same against Bolton (preferably without going behind). With the aim of maintaining or extending the position at the top-of-the-table ahead of the Christmas schedule and tough fixtures coming up soon.

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Bolton fans haven’t had much to cheer about this season

Form

Norwich’s form just keeps getting better and better. A seventh win out of eight and the other one being a draw, goes to prove that the Canaries are flying. The win over Rotherham was another hard-fought win from behind, something that’s become a regular occurrence this season for Norwich. They currently sit 3rd on the home form table for the 18/19 season, with 21 points from a possible 30. Leeds and Wigan above on goal difference only.

Bolton on the other hand after a flying start have one-win-in-sixteen, with that last win being at the end of September against Derby. They are having the issues surrounding the payment of players and the club has some major problems on and off the pitch. They sit 16th in the away form table, but certainly won’t be travelling to Norfolk expecting the 3 points.

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Team News

Daniel Farke confirmed at lunchtime that Moritz Leitner is out with injury due to some more calf problems. However, Onel Hernandez has trained for the last two days and is available for tomorrow. There were some more knocks taken after the last game but these have been shaken off so all the other lads are available. Kenny Mclean is training with the U23’s tomorrow and will hopefully play on Thursday against Wolfsburg. Louis Thompson has been doing running back on the field but will require more weeks.

Bolton’s Will Buckley has a tightness in the tendon in his groin area, yet his scan has come back clear so has been involved in training so will most likely be available. Sammy Ameobi is back fully fit after struggling with playing 3 games in a week previously. He will be in a better place come Saturday.

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Key Man

For Norwich, it will be the task of breaking down another side that will come and park the bus and force Norwich to break them down and last season it worked getting a 0-0 draw. However, Norwich are a different outfit this season as I have gone on record to say many times. Buendia is the man I would look to help unlock the Bolton defence. Fresh from his nomination for PFA player of the month that eventually went to Hernandez of Leeds he will be full of confidence and hungry to get back with a goal to add to his tally. 3 goals already this season in the league since becoming a first-team regular the Argentinian attacking midfielder will fancy himself against the Trotters.

November was an impressive month for Buendia

For Bolton,they will need a strong performance from the defence so Mark Beevers is the man they will rely on to provide this. The centre-back scored a few weeks ago against Millwall so can also offer a threat from set pieces which Bolton will need to make use of. He has played in 13 of the 20 fixtures this season and has won 126 duels and 110 clearances to his name.

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Recent Clashes

The most recent clash between these two sides came at Carrow Road in February when the Trotters held Norwich to a 0-0 draw in a very unmemorable game that summed up the Canaries season last year. Leitner missed a big opportunity when through on goal which he later apologised to supporters on social media. With the other game last season being a 2-1 Bolton victory at the newly named “Uni of Bolton Stadium”. It was another one of the poor performances from a Norwich side that was relying on Maddison for something.

However, before last season Norwich had won the previous 4 fixtures between the two sides (with three 2-1 wins and one 2-0 win). Bolton’s last win at Carrow Road came in November 2000 in a 2-0 win.

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Head to Head Stats

Norwich wins- 30

Draws- 12

Bolton wins- 18

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Score Prediction

Another one of these games in which Norwich on paper simply have to win if they are serious about going up this season. Bolton struggling with problems on and off the field. Norwich is a club at the complete opposite scale of the spectrum with unity amongst manager, players, and fans at an all-time high. However, Bolton will be happy to sit back at try hit Norwich on the counter and Norwich have conceded some stupid goals at home this season. Yet it’s another game I simply can’t see us losing.

Prediction- 2-0

Scorers- Buendia,Pukki

Stanley a Norwich fan has also backed a 2-0 Norwich with Cantwell and Zimmerman amongst the goals.

Bolton fans predictions- 5-0 Norwich (Jonnie)

Before the start of the season he would have had them to draw or maybe even win the game with their away record. The off the field problems seems to be influencing the onto the field so can’t see anything but a battering.

Other fans were saying similar in the sense they wanted to see the score kept to a minimum against Bolton. “If it’s less than 2-0 I’d be happy” (Matt). One fan was optimistic for a Bolton away win 1-0.

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Thanks for taking the time to read my Blog and preview for this Saturday’s match. I will be attending the fixture so will have more content to cover in my blog over the coming days.

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Rotherham Reflection And Club Update

The situation of being one-goal behind is something the Canaries have felt a number of times this season, yet the response to this has been the same every time (Leeds aside). Last season, if Norwich went one behind they’d collapse and get beat comfortably, this season there is a swagger about Norwich that screams we’ll still win this game. So what has changed?

Obviously having a goal threat up top and players to influence the game off the bench,0 due to the quality throughout the squad is a major factor. The fans are buying into the clubs philosophy and the unity amongst the management, players, and fans is something that hasn’t been seen for a number of years. This has led to good atmospheres and a clear backing of the players, so even when we go behind the fans just go up a notch and push the players over the line as Mario Vrancic emphasised post-Rotherham in his interview.

Much of it also comes down to the youth players that have no fear and have the desire to impress on the big stage. Once Rotherham had their spell in the first-half the Canaries began to dominate and control the game, and once Cantwell got the equalizer it was clear only one team was going on to win the game.

It leaves Norwich top-of-the-table, one-point above Leeds in second and five points above third-placed West Brom who fell victim to a stoppage-time equaliser by Brentford in the Monday night match. Confidence amongst Norwich fans is high as we approach the halfway stage.

One Norwich fan told me that he can see us finishing top, with Leeds in second come to the end-of-the-season, something I doubt many fans would have been saying after walking out of Portman Road on September 2nd after what was a poor performance and Norwich languishing near the relegation zone.

In other news, the Canaries were drawn out at home against Portsmouth in the FA Cup in what could play out to be an entertaining game between the current leaders of the Championship and League One respectively. Ed Balls is to step down as Norwich Chairman after 3 years in his current-role, the news broke after Saturday’s match. However, he will play a role as a club ambassador.

The Canaries can now move onto Saturday’s home match against Bolton with increased confidence yet again after a win over the Millers.

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Norwich vs Rotherham Preview

After a long spell without a game at home, the Canaries are finally back at Carrow Road and welcome Rotherham to Carrow Road. Can Paul Warne get one over the club he supports as he takes to the Carrow Road touchline for the first-time?

Norfolk born Paul Warne(Rotherham Manager)

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Form

After two away games on the bounce the Canaries return to home soil to take on Norfolk boy and Norwich fan Paul Warne’s Rotherham, with the opportunity to maintain or possibly strengthen the grip at the top of the table. After the six-game winning streak came to an end on Tuesday night at a cold and empty KCOM Stadium, after a 0-0 draw, fans and players alike know they need to get 3 points against the Millers at Carrow Road. Despite the disappointment of the minor slip up at Hull, Norwich have still only lost one in fourteen matches and have won their last three home games on the bounce.

Rotherham come with a seven-match unbeaten run, however, six of those games have been draws. Impressive points at the likes of Middlesborough, Preston, and Blackburn away from home over recent games goes to prove the stern test ahead for City. Despite this, these are the only points that they have accumulated on the road this season, with Rotherham sat second-bottom of the away record table in the Championship, with only Millwall having picked up fewer points on their travels. Rotherham come into the game sat in 19th, three points clear of the relegation zone.

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Team News

Moritz Leitner is confirmed out after missing the trip to Hull with a calf injury, yet Farke hopes the German will be back for the trip of the Trotters to Carrow Road next Saturday. Pukki and Buendia both took knocks on Humberside, but both are ok and available for Saturday. Onel Hernandez, however, is out with a suspected hamstring injury, Farke hoping it’s just a number of days out, but are awaiting a scan. Grant Hanley will feature for the Under-23’s as he aims to build up his fitness ahead of a recall to the first-team.

Leitner misses the trip of the Millers

Rotherham will be without Vassell who has made steps towards recovery and trained during the week but doesn’t look likely to feature Saturday. Jon Taylor has a hyper-extended knee which will be assessed. They have no other injury issues.

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Key Man

Key man for Norwich is Mario Vrancic who will likely get a call back into the squad due to injuries of Hernandez and Leitner. Vrancic could be the crucial component in breaking down a Rotherham side who will most likely sit back and invite Norwich to break them down. Vrancic has the ability to play the killer pass as we saw against Millwall for the winner or away at Sheffield Wednesday for Aarons to run on and slide the ball into Pukki to finish.

For Rotherham to get anything from the game they will need to remain tight at the back, so they will need keeper Marek Rodak to have a good game. The Slovakian has five clean sheets and one penalty save to his name this season. He also scored for Slovakia U21 this week against Iceland U21 in a late 3-2 win from a set piece, however, I don’t expect a similar act on Saturday.

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Recent Clashes

The most recent clash between these two came at the New York Stadium on January 2017 when the Canaries were beaten 2-1 by a Rotherham side that went on to only accumulate 23 points in a record lowest points total for a Championship campaign. Jerome scored for City, but the game hinged on an early sending off to Nelson Oliveria for lashing out. The game was won by Ex-Norwich youth player Tom Adeyemi scoring for the Millers.

A memorable match was when Division One leaders Norwich snatched a 4-4 draw at Millmoor after coming from behind in an entertaining match. Norwich were awarded a controversial penalty decision for Shaun Barker’s challenge on Huckerby. Guy Branston was sent off for his actions after the penalty had been awarded.  Butler had put Rotherham ahead on the 30-minute mark before Roberts equalised. McKenzie put Norwich ahead before yet another reply this time from Rotherham. Huckerby tucked away the controversial penalty for 3-2 Norwich. The Millers turned the game yet again with two second-half goals to make it 4-3 to the ten men. Damien Francis scored a late equalizer to salvage a point for the Canaries.

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Head to Head Stats

Norwich wins-14

Draw-11

Rotherham win-9

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Score Prediction

With Rotherham having not won at Carrow Road since the 11th of April 1966 in a 2-1 victory in Division Two, and the two positions of the current teams, it all makes the reading of a home-win. Rotherham provides a hard and physical test something Norwich often struggle to deal with, as was evident last season with home 0-0 draws with the likes of Burton and Bolton. Yet Norwich are a much-changed side from last season, and despite injuries to Leitner and Hernandez, with Pukki firing and Buendia flying I can’t invision anything but a Norwich win.

Prediction 3-0 Norwich

Goalscorers- Pukki, Zimmerman and Vrancic

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Thanks for taking the time to read my Blog and preview for this Saturday’s match. I will be attending the fixture so will have more content to cover in my blog over the coming days.

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Swansea vs Norwich Analysis

I spoke with a Swansea fan Chris post-match after Norwich’s 4-1 victory, the sound clip is above.

He goes on record to discuss the poor defensive errors from Swansea, the better performers and Swansea’s hopes for the rest of the season. Chris praises the discipline of Norwich and their clinical nature.

When asked about the game Chris said, “Norwich controlled it and were a very disciplined team”.  He liked the commitment from Ollie McBurnie, and likes the look of goalscorer Dan James.

Chris believed they came out in the second half as a “new team” and maybe should have pushed to get themselves back into the game. The young side is growing, and Chris believes maybe another season at championship level wouldn’t be a bad thing, however, they risk losing some of their better talent.

Norwich now travel to Hull tomorrow night on the back of a six match winning run and will hope for 3 points against the second-bottom Tigers.

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Clinical Norwich Sink The Swans

Norwich stretched their winning run to six games as they overcame Swansea in a clinical manner, scoring four goals for the third match running. Norwich started the game slowly and Swansea controlled much of the first 15 minutes, however, a spell of 21 minutes saw Norwich go into a three-nil lead.

An own goal from van der Hoorn, a mistake from Swansea gifted Buendia a second and a Stipermann tap in from a driven ball across the box from Max Aarons, meant Norwich took control.

Buendia makes it 2-0

Swansea pulled one back just before half-time after a long-range effort was spilled by Krul in the Norwich goal and Daniel James was on hand for Swansea to score his first league goal. Swansea came out the brighter side after the break and had a number of good chances the best through Wilfred Bony with a header from a corner.

However, just after the hour mark, Norwich killed the game off after some good build-up play and a tight finish from Teemu Pukki, who now has five goals in three games. Swansea went on to create a few more good chances with Connor Robert’s effort being well saved by Tim Krul who had more than made up for his earlier error.

This victory in South Wales meant Norwich remained top of the table and have accumulated 31 points from a possible 36 points in their last 12 matches. For Swansea on the other hand, it was their second defeat in 3 games and meant they dropped 2 places down to 10th in the Championship.

I spoke to Swansea full-back Martin Olsson post-match surrounding the stick he received from the Norwich faithful, he went on to say “It’s ok, it’s part of football and he’ll try score and celebrate in the return game” while laughing.

Despite this, he came over and applauded the fans of his former employers, and he made it clear that he still has gratitude and affection for Norwich. He went on to emphasise the thankful nature towards the fans of Norwich for travelling the long-distance and their response to him coming over and applauding the fans.

I also spoke to Moritz Leitner who said: “It was an unbelievable performance away from home from the boys. We have to keep performing like this in the upcoming games”.

Meanwhile, Farke in his press conference went on to say “When you are league leaders, everyone is more greedy to be successful against you. Swansea were highly motivated today but we had a good answer”. (BBC Sport)

Whereas Graham Potter went on to say “All credit to Norwich, over the course of the game, they deserved to win. They were the better team and attacked and defended well”. (BBC Sport)

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Key Events

14 mins- Free-kick for Swansea after McBurnie brought down by Leitner on edge of the box. Celina’s effort well hit and parried by Krul but Fer blasted over the rebound.

16 mins- Goal Norwich- van der Hoorn slides into his own net after Pukki put a ball across the box looking for Hernandez who was ready to pounce on the back post.

25 mins- Goal Norwich- Buendia tucks it away after a mistake by Celina on the edge of his own box.

36 mins- Goal Norwich- Aarons low ball across the box finds Stiepermann who scores his first league goal of the season.

41 mins- Goal Swansea- Naughton 30 yard strike is parried by Krul to McBurnie who couldn’t capitalise but the ball fell to James who put it away.

45 mins- Half Time 3-1

53 mins- Great chance for Swansea to get a firm grip back in the game missed after Bony heads wide from a corner.

56 mins- Aarons yellow-card.

61 mins- Goal Norwich- Good build up play leads to Hernandez beating his man, finding Pukki who turns and finds the bottom corner.

67 mins- Great stop by Krul after Roberts goes through from a Bony pass.

73 mins- Lewis yellow-card

80 mins- Buendia goes down off the ball, stretcher brought on, and worrying looks from Norwich fans. However, he gets up to play on, much to the frustration of the home fans.

90+5 mins- Full-Time

Key Stats-

Possession- Swansea 56% Norwich 44%

Shots- Swansea 13 Norwich 11

On Target- Swansea 6 Norwich 7

Corners- Swansea 7 Norwich 2

Fouls- Swansea 11 Norwich 13

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Thanks for reading my Blog (Match Report), Match Analysis with a Swansea fan to come over the next days so to catch up with that follow the blog and the social media pages.

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Swansea vs Norwich Preview

With the drama of Norwich’s dramatic late win against Millwall still fresh in the memory, despite the 2-week international break, Norwich travel to Wales full of confidence. Teemu Pukki’s late goal meant Norwich sat top of the table over the international break, meanwhile Swansea come into the fixture sat in eighth and still adjusting to life back in the Championship. In a highly anticipated fixture between two sides that like to play an attractive brand of attacking football.

Form 

Both sides are in good form with Norwich having won five games on the bounce and buoyed from the late turn around in the last game. Swansea on the other hand, with three wins in four games, it has the making to be a good clash at the Liberty. Norwich have only tasted one defeat on the road all the season, with that coming at Sheffield United in late August, and have only lost one in twelve in the league, with nine wins in that period. Swansea have been consistent at home with four wins, two draws, and two defeats at the Liberty this season. They also come into the game of the back of a win in the previous game away at Bolton, winning one-nil.

Team News

Tom Carroll will miss the game due to a recurrence of his hip injury, but despite this, Swansea come into the game with the positive news that Bersant Celina and Joe Rodon are both back in contention after injury. With all the players coming back from international duty unscathed. Wilfred Bony has had two weeks full training under his belt, so he has a chance of featuring in the game. Luciano Narsingh is out as he builds up to return to full training in the coming week. (Source- Swansea Official)

Norwich come into the match with no new fresh injury concerns post the international break. Jamal Lewis was rested for Northern Ireland’s last fixture against Austria in the Nations League. Grant Hanley is back in training and travelled to America for the week’s training, however, will most likely feature for U23’s in his route back towards the first team. Jarvis and Mclean are the longer-term injuries, both are back in team training but remain unavailable for upcoming weeks. Todd Cantwell and Ben Marshall return despite not travelling to Tampa for the team training through a minor injury.

Key Men

If Norwich are to come away with a win, they will need to overcome Swansea’s resilient defence which has conceded only thirteen all campaign (Second lowest conceded behind Tony Pulis’s Middlesbrough). Pukki and Rhodes are in fine form, but the creativity and wide outlet Onel Hernandez could have a big say in which way this game goes. After a superb start to the season with two goals and three assists, his injury in September seems to have stunted his form marginally so he will be determined to get back to his best. His pace and ability to run and beat defenders could be a crucial component on any joy Norwich have in breaking Swansea down.

I spoke to London-based Swansea fan Chris who chose Connor Roberts as the man to watch out for on Saturday. Chris emphasised the man who signed a new contract today (Thursday 22nd Nov) after much delay is the most passionate man on the pitch and will be interesting to see how he performs after this news. He is a right midfielder who has a defensive side to his game but is a key going forward in an attacking sense. Chris is hoping he can provide an assist for a Oli McBurnie goal. However, he went on to make the point that Wilfred Bony is back from injury after a few cameo appearances. Chris is intrigued by whether he will start, or come off the bench, as he could have an influence on this game. Chris said, “he can’t wait to sing his song” in reference to Bony.

Memorable Matches/Recent Clash

The last meeting between these sides was also at the Liberty Stadium came in early March 2016, both sides were in need of the 3 points to help maintain their Premier League status amidst a relegation battle. It was Swansea who came out on top in a one-nil victory thanks to Gylfi Sigurdsson’s strike on the hour mark. Norwich went onto to get relegated that season, with Swansea remaining in the top flight for two more seasons until their relegation last season. Not one of the most memorable matches compared to many of the high scoring and exciting games between the two sides in recent years.

The most memorable came on the 8th December 2012 when Norwich maintained a nine- game unbeaten run in the Premier League with a four-three away win. Norwich stormed into a three-goal lead at half-time thanks to goals from Whittaker, Bassong, and Holt. Swansea emerged a different side after the break and pulled two goals back before Snodgrass thought he’d put the game to bed. Michu pulled back a late goal in stoppage time but Norwich did enough to hold onto the three points.

Holt puts Norwich 3-0 up at the Liberty

Head to Head Stats

Swansea Win-23

Draw-10

Norwich Win-21

Swansea won the first meeting between the two sides five-two in the division three south on the 16th September 1920, and also won the most recent fixture (see above).

Score Predictions

I can see this fixture ending in a draw with the two teams cancelling each other out. With two good sides battling it out at the top of the league table. I’m saying 1-1.

I spoke to Norwich season ticket holder Stanley who was feeling optimistic and has backed Norwich for the narrow 2-1 win.

In the opposite corner is Chris who believes that this game will have goals, he’s backing Norwich to score but is going for a 3-1 Swansea victory.

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Thanks for taking the time to read my blog or in this case preview. I will be attending the game and have more content to come from the match over the coming days including interviews, match reviews, etc. To keep up to date follow my blog and my social media which is below:

Many thanks to Chris and Stanley for sharing their take on this weekend’s match. Check out Chris’s blog Die Hard Footy Fan where he speaks to different fans about the unusual reason why they support their club.

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