Savvy with the team news ahead of the game, and a random stat of the week…
Chris Hughton is planning on making only minor changes ahead of the FA Cup 4th Round tie against Luton Town.
Whilst striker Steve Morison (thigh) will remain out until at least City`s next Premier League away trip to QPR, there was more positive news for the City chief.
“Andrew Surman (knee) will play, Declan will play in goal and what we will have, obviously, is decisions to make on the starting 11, but it will be a strong squad.
“Whatever changes I make if I look at the 18 involved they will be all ones who have been involved in first team. Generally we have a squad that is fit, apart from Whittaker, who is just coming back, and John Ruddy.
“Seb has trained okay this week and he would certainly be alright for Tottenham,” he said. “Whittaker, possibly too early for Saturday. He did his first training session with us on Monday. It might be too early for him, but what we might see is him on the bench this weekend.”
Hughton ruled out giving some of the younger players a run out including George Francomb, the Murphy twins and the luckless Korey Smith.
Norwich will provide a stiff test and a welcome reunion. Town manager, Paul Buckle – with 10 lower league and non-league clubs on his CV – started his career at Brentford, where the Norwich manager, Chris Hughton, was the senior pro. “I used to travel in with him,” he says. “He is a really good guy, a proper man. I’m not surprised he’s become an excellent manager. Knowing Chris like I do, they will be well prepared. They will not underestimate us.”
4,000 Luton fans are expected to make the trip, and with discounted tickets for home fans, there should be a great atmosphere.
Interesting stat I found is that only 12 teams have played in 3 or more FA Cup Semi Finals (including Liverpool, Everton, Spurs etc), one of them suprisingly however is Luton Town. Let’s not help them on their way to a 4th.
OTBC