The struggle of being in a Premier League relegation battle doesn’t get any easier for Norwich this weekend, as they host Champions League chasing Manchester City.
While the two sides are at the complete opposite ends of the table, both sides go into the game on the back of disappointing away defeats. Norwich’s chances of survival took a huge hit last Saturday as they fell to a pretty abysmal 1-0 defeat in South Wales, while the Citizens were dismantled 3-0 at Anfield last Wednesday.
Alex Neil’s side, despite having lost eight of their last nine league games, do have at least some reasons to be confident. Sitting a whole ten points behind table-toppers Leicester, many believe Manuel Pellegrini has turned his focus to the Champions League before his time at The Etihad runs out at the end of the season.
Their away form has also been very unspectacular, only sitting ninth in the table of away results. But the odds are still in their favour, as they look to keep Norwich firmly stuck in the relegation zone.
GK - John Ruddy
No doubt over this position anymore, until the end of the season at least.
RWB - Ivo Pinto
Deployed in a back four for the first time since the dramatic defeat to Liverpool, the Portuguese full back looked less effective at both ends without the comfort of an extra defender.
But the attacking threat of Manchester City will likely force the Norwich back line to be beefed up with an extra centre back.
CB - Ryan Bennett
The Essex born defender could consider himself quite lucky to still be in the side after a string of below-par performances, perhaps due to the absence of Seb Bassong.
SW - Russell Martin
Found a new lease of life playing in the sweeper position in a back five. But the injury to Brady meant the club captain found himself in an alien position at left back. I think everyone would prefer it if that never happens again.
CB - Timm Klose
The Swiss centre back has looked completely dominant in the air, but perhaps slightly off the pace of the Premier League with his feet.
He hasn’t got much time left if he want to keep being a Premier League player.
LWB - Robbie Brady
Assuming the injury that forced him to hobble off at Swansea wasn’t anything serious, the Irishman will need to return to the Norwich defence if they’re to have any hope of keeping out the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva.
CM - Jonny Howson
Norwich’s stand-out player in recent weeks. Looks twice the player when deployed in his rightful position in the centre of midfield.
CM - Gary O'Neil
With Tettey being out for the rest of the season and Mulumbu becoming the forgotten man at Carrow Road, O’Neil has little competition.
RW - Nathan Redmond
The only bright spark in Norwich’s otherwise dismal attack in the last month. But his end product still leaves a lot to be desired. His squandered miss at Swansea cost his side a crucial point.
LW - Wes Hoolahan
The Hoolahan situation has proved something of a conundrum since the arrival of Steven Naismith in January. Both are, in the eyes of many, too good to leave out. But only one can play in the attacking midfield role, forcing Wes to the left wing.
Neither of them have been effective in recent weeks.
CAM - Steven Naismith
The Scot had huge expectation placed on him following his move from Merseyside. But apart from a debut goal against Liverpool, he’s struggled to deliver.
If he doesn’t raise his game soon, he could easily find himself going from the edge of the Champions League to the Championship.
ST - Dieumerci Mbokani
Mbokani must be wondering what he has to do to get back into the team in recent weeks, following the awful performances of Cameron Jerome.
His physical strength and ability to hold the ball up will likely give him the nod over Patrick Bamford, with whoever plays up front probably having a very lonely afternoon chasing down long balls.