A cold, wet and windy Wednesday night in Stoke. Isn’t that supposed to be the ultimate test for foreign newcomers to the Premier League?
Well, Norwich City will offer that test to the likes of Dieumerci Mbokani (who I can’t believe didn’t see worse in Kiev), Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe and possibly Ivo Pinto.
Norwich beat Stoke 0-1 the last time we played this fixture back in September 2013 when a Jonny Howson effort brought home the points. I’m sure Alex Neil would love a similar outcome tonight.
When the two sides met in August they played out a 1-1 draw and Jack Butland had the game of his life making super save after super save. He’s looking close to being England’s No:1 to me.
I don’t suppose there’s any chance of an off day, is there Jack?
Vital Quotes:
Stoke manager Mark Hughes: ‘We’ve had a good run in terms of injuries. We know with the intensity we play, unfortunately at some point the likelihood is that we will probably receive a few setbacks.
‘It’s how we deal with those and whether we can cope, but with the strength of quality in the squad we have done well in recent years and that should sustain us this year as well.’
Norwich manager Alex Neil: ‘Stoke are a good side. The front three certainly give them a real threat so we’ll have to make sure we try and eliminate that.
‘It’s maybe not a glamorous game but these are the types of games where the three points are absolutely crucial and we’ve got to attack it and approach it as such.’
Stoke City Team News:
Mark Hughes is likely to recall his established first team players after making nine changes for the FA Cup. Geoff Cameron and Stephen Ireland are the only injury doubts.
Player to watch: Marko Arnautovic
You could take you pick from Bojan, Shaquiri or Arnautovic but it’s the big Austrian that has caught my eye this season. He has scored seven goals and has terrific technique and an eye for a pass.
Norwich City Team News:
Alex Neil has no new injury concerns and will have his squad boosted by the return to fitness of Matt Jarvis after missing three months with a knee injury. Expect to see the likes of Tettey, Hoolahan and Mbokani return after being rested for the cup.
Player to watch: Wes Hoolahan
The Irish wizard was rested against Manchester City but could be crucial here. The Britannia is still like the ‘land of the giants’ but a small wonderfully gifted little man could just turn them inside out – or not, we’ll have to wait and see.
Match Facts & Stats
Norwich won at Stoke for the first time in nine attempts when the sides last met at the Britannia Stadium in September 2013 (W1, D2, L6).
The last eight meetings in the league have produced just 11 goals, with neither side scoring more than once in a game.
Norwich have scored just five goals in their last nine league trips to Stoke City.
The Potters have only scored 10 league goals at home this season – only Swansea (9) and Aston Villa (6) have fared worse prior to the latest round of fixtures.
Norwich have won three of their last four Premier League games – as many as they had won in their previous 23 attempts.
However, they have lost five of their last six away games in the league (W1).
Match Prediction:
The stats suggest this will be a low scoring game. Stoke haven’t scored much at home this season (10) and Norwich have been fairly poor away in recent weeks.
It’s a tough game at anytime of the year and it will severely test the Canaries. If I’m being honest, I’d take a draw right now – if we are to get anything here we will have to fight tooth and nail.
Next Fixtures:
Next up for Norwich it’s Bournemouth away on Saturday and a quick reunion with Lewis ‘The Sulk’ Grabban.
