Norwich City and Aston Villa – two teams that have struggled for consistency this season – lock horns at Carrow Road on Tuesday.
The Canaries stopped the rot of six consecutive defeats as they trounced Brentford 5-0 two weeks ago, yet undid their hard work after succumbing to a loss at Oakwell on Saturday. Despite a superb ranged effort from Nelson Oliveira, who thumped in his second goal on his second league start, the Canaries were deservedly picked apart by newly promoted Barnsley.
Jacob Murphy, who has been the subject of some serious Premier League snooping as we approach the Winter transfer window, and his twin Josh started a game together for the first time this season at the expense of Youssouf Mulumbu and Martin Olsson, two players that came on and showed their influence, but only after the damage was done to Norwich.
Alex Neil admitted that “to be honest, I should not have let that [keeping the same team only because they won last game] affect my decision-making.”
Upon reflection, Neil stated that he will go “back to what was practical and worked for me the last time [2014/15 promotion].”
“I did it the last time we got promoted. I went very solid in the middle of the park.”
Aston Villa, who also pack their pitch with powerful midfielders such as Jedinak and Tshibola, won their last game against Wigan with a late strike from the prodigious Jack Grealish.
Here is how I predict Norwich will lineup come 19:45 on Tuesday, a team which hopefully will secure a much-needed three points.
John Ruddy
Could not have done anything about the two Barnsley goals, and given the poor form of Michael McGovern Ruddy will start.
Martin Olsson
Was undeservedly benched last game, yet came on and nearly brought Norwich back in the game with some superb second-half attacking crosses and runs.
Ryan Bennett
Has showed aggression and decisiveness in recent fixtures despite the bad run. With Klose seemingly out of favour and Martin still benched, Bennett should keep his place.
Sebastien Bassong
Although Bassong was at fault for the first goal on Saturday, he played well and kept the box clear on many occasions with some decisive headers and clearances.
I would personally play Klose over him, as the Swiss has the ability to begin attacks as well as clearing boxes. But Neil, for whatever reason, wishes Klose to be on the bench.
Ivo Pinto
Our sticky spell coincided with Pinto’s absence, and it’s no coincidence; the Portuguese’s energy coming from the right flank was sorely missed.
Graham Dorrans
Back with a goal following a one-match suspension against Brentford, Dorrans is an easy choice given his form this season.
Youssouf Mulumbu
Neil hinted at making his midfield much more packed for the Villa game.
With Tettey injured and the control Mulumbu had over the Barnsley central park after his substitution, the big Congolese will take a place in the starting XI to reignite a former West Brom partnership with Dorrans in front of the back four.
Jonny Howson
Howson captained the Canaries against Brentford and Barnsley, making his return from two months out following ankle surgery.
He was pushed up to a more attacking role at the expense of Pritchard in the latter half of last game, and given Norwich’s good play after this call was made, Howson will keep his place.
Robbie Brady
Was anonymous after being pushed to his arguably weaker left-back position against Barnsley. Brady showed his better place as a left-mid against Brentford with a goal and assist, and therefore will be pushed up to a more attacking position against Villa.
Jacob Murphy
Being in the right place to score a tap in pushed the prodigious Murphy up to Norwich’s top scorer against Brentford with seven goals.
He was also agonisingly close to adding to his tally with a swift shot last game after a sweet cross from Olsson.
Jacob’s fitness has come into question recently, but he should start against Villa given he seems to flourish in games’ early stages.
Nelson Oliveira
Oliveira filled in well against a ragged Brentford, and his goal (after a terrific turn) warranted him a second start vs Barnsley.
Again, the seemingly passionate Portuguese netted a sublime curling effort; his form suggests it would be ludicrous to replace Nelson in the starting lineup.