The magic of the FA Cup has been somewhat lacking for Norwich City in recent years, but the Canaries will look to rekindle an old love affair with a victory over Preston at Deepdale on Saturday. Alas, there was no New Year’s Day game for Norwich, as that tradition was lost with their relegation to the Championship, so they will instead have only the memories of a 2-1 defeat to stumbling Reading.
Last time out, Norwich were poor. There are no two ways about it. It wasn’t good enough; there was a feeling of a return to square one for City and that feeling will have to be put to one side if they are to avoid embarrassment at Preston. There just hasn’t been the romance of the cup at Carrow Road for a long time. Two years ago: a defeat to Luton. Embarrassing. Shambolic. Gut-wrenching. Granted, Chris Hughton has gone, but the fight in the club just hasn’t been there. Instead, we’ve watched Norwich suffer defeats at the hands of Fulham, Leicester, Leyton Orient and Carlisle. In fact, the furthest Norwich have progressed in the FA Cup in the past 22 years is the Fifth Round. Is that really the best that Norwich can offer? It’s simply not good enough.
Granted, teams don’t have a divine right to be successful, but look at the teams Norwich have faced in the past 5 years and then think if that’s the furthest Norwich could have gone. Every single side in the past 5 years has been below Norwich in the standings – either lower in the same league, or in a lower league completely.
On that trail of thought, only a Preston win on Saturday is thought of. I highly doubt Norwich will turn their horrendous fortune in the cups around, what with Preston being in a lower league. It’s almost a given. Although hopefully I’ve just jinxed it…
Adams is certain to make changes. In the podcast, Dex alluded to upwards of 9 changes and I don’t think he’ll be far wrong. Ex-Preston loanee Declan Rudd will be nailed on to start in goal, whereas the ten men in front of him are harder to predict. With Adams’ links to the youth side, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see young names such as Jamar Loza, Kyle McFadden and Cameron McGeehan step into the Norwich first team for some FA Cup action. Conor McGrandles is likely to start in midfield, having just made his debut against Millwall on Boxing Day. Lewis Grabban, perhaps, may start, as well as Wes Hoolahan and Ryan Bennett in bids to help their fitness. I, personally, would go with: Rudd; Martin, Bennett, McFadden, Garrido; Johnson, McGrandles, Hoolahan, Tettey; Grabban, Loza. Diamond formation, with Tettey sitting at the base, McGrandles and Johnson in front and Wes playing behind Loza and Grabban. A blend of experience and youth, as well as Russell Martin returning to right back.
Still, I’m going to have to predict a Preston win. I’m still not convinced by Adams as of yet, and the defeat to Reading would have offered up no favours. 2-0 to Preston.
