After the midweek disaster in Middlesbrough, Norwich will look to put things straight against the also struggling Nottingham Forest. Seventh versus Eleventh. A battle between two out-of-form sides, both originally tipped for the title. And with the crucial December period approaching, the chance to regain some rhythm is paramount. Otherwise, one loss leads to another, heads go down, momentum ceases and suddenly there’s a lot of ground to make up. Still, don’t go dashing for the panic stations just yet.
Last Match
Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker were just two of the culprits to be criticised following Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat, but while their individual performances faltered, the blame was mostly laid upon manager Adams. It was his choice to utilise the compatriots in the squad – but a decision that has, and continues to be, strongly opposed. Martin is widely regarded as a right-back, although he is played as a centre-back for his country Scotland, alongside partner in crime Steven Whittaker, ironically. Whittaker is being played in his correct position, however, it’s a shame he’s rather limited when it comes to defending…and attacking. With the pair being well accustomed with each other from their international duties, you would expect a little more composure and togetherness on the pitch – unfortunately that has not been the case.
This whole debacle is frankly avoidable – is it not? Before transfer window closure, deals were secured for youngster Ignasi Miquel from Arsenal, Jos Hooiveld from Southampton, and Carlos Cuellar who was previously a free agent. Three centre-backs – actual centre-backs. All of whom languish in the substitutes and reserves, even with the prevalent frailties at the back. Surely, one of those must have been bought with the idea of making the first team?
Adams admitted Russell Martin didn’t have one of his best game (who did?), so it will be interesting to see whether that conundrum is solved by Saturday. The likelihood is that we’ll see the reintroduction of Hooiveld who has been on the bench since returning from injury.
In terms of performance, there’s no doubt it was our worst this season. Reminiscent of the capitulations seen under Hughton with the inability to stop the inevitability happening. Adams must formulate a plan B, and learn how and when to implement it, so that when things aren’t going to plan, there’s a chance of rectifying the situation.
Nottingham Forest
Form – L D L L L
Forest’s blistering start has long since faded away; they now find themselves in eleventh place, without a win in ten games, having shipped 15 goals in that period. What appeared to be a minor blip, like a flickering warning light, is now a huge problem. Three 0-0 draws saw an end to Assomabalonga’s incredible form, and now the problems have manifested at both ends. They have conceded 9 of those 15 goals in the last three games.
So, if there was ever a time you wanted to play Nottingham Forest, now is that time.
Key men
Britt Assomabalonga – A real coming-of-age story for the 21 year old whose 23 goals in 43 appearances at Peterborough were enough to entice Nottingham Forest into buying him for a reported £5 million, before the season start. An investment that has been repaid, scoring 9 goals so far making him joint second behind league leader (and ex-canary) Chris Martin. A headline-grabbing hattrick against Fulham was when his name really became known, but with only one in the last nine games, Norwich will hope his anonymity continues.
Michail Antonio – The fact that this is another striker is testament to Nottingham Forest’s early attacking dominance. Close behind his partner with 8 goals to his name, but four Man Of The Match awards, having also provided 7 assists for his teammates. His goals have been less form-based than that of Assomabalonga – possibly a hint that’s he is more of a natural finisher.
Chris Burke – One of Forest’s ever-present figures in the middle of the park, who has started in 15 of the 16 matches played thus far, coming off the bench for the other. Only two assists and one goal so far, but an 83.9 pass completion rate shows his efforts may be understated. In terms of how that compares, only Alex Tettey has managed a higher percentage (89.1%).
Last Meeting
The last meeting between the two side was in the 2010/11 season, deep into Norwich’s promotion campaign. The setting: Carrow Road on a Friday night. A game that took an unexpected turn very early on when Ruddy’s slightly casual clearance ricocheted off the back of Tyson and into the unguarded net. Grant Holt quickly found the equaliser, guiding in a Fox free kick past later-to-be Norwich’s keeper Lee Camp. In the second half it was Surman who found the all-important winner, lifting the ball above and beyond Camp and sending Norwich to second place, a standing that lasted less than 24 hours as Cardiff overtook the Canaries the following day.
Ex-Canaries
Henri Lansbury – A familiar name around the Norwich scene – fame sealed through various important goals in various important matches, often celebrated by ripping his shirt off and performing the trademark ‘dougie’. His involvement in Norwich’s promotion push last time was hugely significant, and some believe that when his loan spell came to an end, a permanent deal was worth pursuing. Now he forms part of Forest’s midfield, perhaps offering a more creative edge than other influential players like Michael Mancienne. Three assists and a goal have been the fruits of his labour so far this season.
Injuries
Going forward, Lafferty has apparently picked up a hip injury, and with his performance not doing him many favours, we’re likely to see a re-shuffle in terms of attacking options. The gap left by Hoolahan is one that’s certainly having a detrimental effect, and we are also yet to see the full extent of Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe due to his ongoing injury issues.
Predicted Team
Verdict
Despite the lack of form that Forest posses, I still think it will be a difficult game. The question is whether we make it more difficult than it needs to be, like in our previous defeat. Norwich need to find a way out of this rot, and Saturday provides the perfect opportunity to do so. The boys must react to the disappointment suffered on Tuesday. They must stand up and be counted. Make it clear that it’ll take more than a wobble to knock the Canaries from their perch, and put out a statement against a side who were doing oh-so well, not so long ago.
Hoping for, rather than expecting, a Norwich win. 1-2.
