Here we are then, the final game of the 2017/18 season and Norwich City find themselves having had the most bang average of seasons.
If ever the phrase “mid-table mediocrity” was applicable, it’s here as City have Won 15, Lost 15 and Drawn 15 games this season. It’s a barely believable statistic but it’s there in black and white.
If I’m honest, this is a game too far for me. The season should’ve ended last week with the win against Leeds and the outpouring of emotion for Wesley Hoolahan. I’ve felt like the season is over all week.
However, there is still plenty to play for (although not really in this game) as almost every team that could go up, make the play offs or go down is up against an equally determined opponent.
For example, you’ve got Birmingham v Fulham, Cardiff v Reading and Preston v Burton Albion.
The only thing to play for around these parts is the “Pride Of Anglia” which the Owls will have no interest in but the Canaries most certainly will.
Norwich hold a one point advantage over Ipswich going into the final game, so if we match or better Ipswich’s result we claim the mantle. Ipswich are hosting Middlesbrough, who are assured a play off place but you would assume will want to guarantee they finish in 5th. Were they to finish 6th, which would mean a Derby win (+2 or 3 goals) and one for Ipswich too, they would face the likelihood of either Cardiff or Fulham in the semi-final.
I suppose when you get to that stage it doesn’t really matter who you play but if it was me, I’d naturally want to play the weaker team first, like Norwich did when we beat Ipswich in the playoffs 🙂
Sheffield Wednesday have had a poor season this time out and it cost Carlos Carvalhal his job, such was the expectation of another promotion push.
The Owls have spent a lot of money but it hasn’t happened for them and now the squad are starting to age. Sound familiar?
Hillsborough is rarely a happy hunting ground for Norwich and I fear that this could be a game too far in a season to forget. There will be goodbyes at the end of 90 minutes with Angus Gunn almost certain to not play for the club again. Harrison Reed is a maybe but the most likely of the loan players to return is Moritz Leitner with the club doing it all can to get a deal over the line for the mercurial German number 10.
if you’re going, be sure to let Mo know how you feel about him and let’s hope Middlesbrough are right up for it at Portman Road.
Then we can put this turgid season behind us.
OTBC