Is the timing of this 3rd round FA Cup tie good or bad? That’s a question that I have been mulling over for the last week or so.
On the one hand, Norwich have suddenly run into some form with three wins from the last four games. On the other, we are playing Manchester City and their expensively assembled squad.
However, Man City lost at Everton in the League Cup semi-final first leg in mid-week, so who knows, this might just be a good time to play them and start a little cup run.
The visitors are also in something of a mini injury crisis with only two centre backs fit at the moment (Demicehlis and Otamendi) so you never know.
Vital Quotes:
Manuel Pellegrini: ‘Willy (Caballero) will play both Cups. For Joe (Hart)it’s good to work one complete week because we are playing so many games.
‘Mangala and Bony are both still injured. We will know more tomorrow.
‘Vincent (Kompany) is progressing, it’s a muscle injury and we must not rush him.
‘I think one of most important merits of this squad is to continue being in all the competitions with so many injuries.
‘I hope in future we have the normal amount of players.’
Alex Neil On Kyle Lafferty: “I told Steve Evans yesterday we are not looking to loan him out. If they want him, they can buy him.”
Alex Neil on Bournemouth’s reported £8m bid for Lewis Grabban: If other clubs want to put things out there, that’s up to them.”
He didn’t deny it, did he?
Norwich City Team News:
Norwich have no new injury concerns as Matt Jarvis edges towards full fitness but Alex Neil has said he won’t be risked here. Andre Wisdom is fit again, while Ivo Pinto, although available, won’t be involved.
Player to watch: Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe. Having come on and changed the game against Southampton, the seldom seen Belgian looks likely to start in the cup. His blend of strength, willingness to take people on and eye for a pass make him an exciting prospect – he’s almost like a new signing.
Manchester City Team News:
The visitors are without several key players and only have two fit centre backs. The injury to Mangala could mean Bacary Sagna has to fill in next to Otamendi. Even without Kompany, Nasri, Bony and Mangala though, they are a formidable prospect.
Player to watch: Sergio Aguero
The Argentinian super star striker is slowly regaining match fitness after another hamstring injury. Now he’s back though and scored a peach of a header against Watford last week. With Bony injured, expect him to start the game.
Match Facts & Stats
Norwich have played Manchester City in the FA Cup on three previous occasions, winning once in 1963 and losing twice (1939 and 1981).
Norwich have been knocked out the FA Cup at the third round stage in each of the last two seasons.
Manchester City have failed to reach the fourth round only once in the last six seasons (losing 3-2 at home to Manchester United in January 2012).
Ref Watch:
Mike Dean
Match Prediction:
This is likely to be a game that sees both sides rest a few players. Having said that, the chance to continue the winning run and capitalise on the visitors’ travel sickness won’t be lost on Alex Neil.
It’s a great chance to rest a few players like Brady and Tettey and give a few others some game time. Vadis, Ruddy and dare I say it, Lafferty.
It will be a tough game for Norwich because even if they play a second string XI, Man City have plenty of top players. We are at home though and in decent form, so I’ll go for a shock win for little old Norwich by the odd goal.
Next Fixtures:
Stoke City away on a cold Wednesday night is up next – let’s see if Alex Neil thinks Vadis and Pinto are up to the ultimate Premier League test.
