Norwich City take on Bristol City today in a big game for both sides.
Just two points separate Norwich (11) in twelfth and Bristol City (13) in eighth. A win for either would be a big deal.
For their part, Norwich are reformed and on a four game unbeaten run, with a defence that has suddenly clicked into place, helped massively by the return to fitness of Timm Klose.
The visitors though are on a storming unbeaten run in all competitions that is twice that of Norwich. You could say that Bristol City are this season’s surprise package.
The Canaries have only scored 8 goals (in the league) and conceded 12 though, with the visitors having scored 15 times but conceding ten. That tells me that they are vulnerable at the back if we can get at them.
Seven of those goals have come from Bobby Reid in 11 appearances, who is only one behind his total in his previous 104 games.
So what should Daniel Farke do to beat them?
We won’t find out his plan until 2pm but in the meantime, I’ll have a go at predicting the team I think he will play.
The recent turnaround has been based on a change of formation to 4-2-3-1 and I can’t see that changing. The two defensive midfielders have been vital to protecting a back four that was short on confidence and with Tom Trybull have a player that can then pick a pass.
So, here goes.
Angus Gunn – the goalkeeper is first choice for a reason and stays in situ.
Ivo Pinto – Ivo has been given the Captain’s armband and has revelled in it.
Timm Klose – the rock that this has been built on, helps his team mates too.
Christoph Zimmermann – With Grant Hanley on his shoulder and taking confidence from Klose, Christoph has done little wrong recently (conceding a penalty aside). Farke trusts him and he deserves his place.
Marco Stiepermann – another rock at the back. Since Husband was dropped, the German has shown his steel and was invaluable at Bramall Lane last week.
Alex Tettey – those old creaking knees still get him around and his destructive ability is unique in the squad.
Tom Trybull – has looked like a real player since the first moment I saw him. He is only getting better too. Likes a tackle and is a great baller too, how long before a contract extension is offered?
Yanic Wildschut – the Flying Dutchman was superb against Sheffield United and his direct play will cause any team a problem at this level. Scored a great goal too.
Josh Murphy – Another easy pick. His pace is electric and he has goals in him too.
Wes Hoolahan – this is slightly hard to predict because Wes played in mid-week for the full 90 minutes. That makes me think he probably won’t start but he would be my pick if he feels up to it. If not, then Mario Vrancic looks likely but James Maddison could just as easily play there if fit. Who knows?
Cameron Jerome – with Nelson Oliveira out with a groin strain, there isn’t much of a choice other than Marley Watkins. It has to be Cam leading the line.
I think the power and pace of Murphy and Wildschut will be a real problem for Lee Johnson’s men and we should be solid enough with those two defensive midfielders.
Can Norwich extend their unbeaten run?
Vital Norwich writer, Hunter Yeats is flying in for his first game at Carrow Road this season and we’re meeting for a pint before the match. Let’s hope he’s a lucky mascot 🙂
OTBC
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