Norwich fans enter this weekend’s fixture with high hopes of a second consecutive win, wanting to dig a hole, and bury that Preston loss that was only two weeks ago, while they’re at it. That hope was rekindled by Adams walking out the Norwich door, and Alex Neil passing him in the corridor. An unlikely win against league leaders Bournemouth has once again given the idea that ‘anything is possible’ as the business end of the season continues to get underway.
But, another week, another game, and even more is at stake. The chance to reappear in the play-offs having been cut adrift for far too long. While Cardiff have a fairly decent squad, spearheaded by the prolific Kenwyne Jones, Norwich will look to build on what may prove to be a turning point. It’s also Alex Neil’s first home game…and his first real match in charge, with Phelan and Holt deserving most of the credit for last week’s monumental victory. Without the (wrongly, in my opinion) suspended Howson, Norwich will have to utilise other options to prevail in a game that will be well contested.
LAST GAME
Jerome’s scintillating strike sent City fans cascading down the steps as euphoria erupted out of the Bournemouth away end. It was a difficult game, as is to be expected against the league leaders, but made more challenging by injury to Bennett, illness to Whittaker, and a more than dubious red card against Howson, which the FA refused to rescind this week. Ritchie opened the scoring after a cross that should have been cut out by the struggling Whittaker, found its way into the box and evading both Martin and Turner. Hooper levelled the goalscoring following a dangerous corner which held up in the 6-yard box, appearing to strike Turner’s limp arm in the process. The decision was contested, but the goal stood. Following Howson’s red card in the second half, new manager Alex Neil descended from his lofted aerial position to help out with affairs on the pitch, and Norwich went on to take all three points through the aforementioned Cameron Jerome goal. It made the 11 hour journey more than worthwhile, and more importantly, helped close the gap that was emerging between us and 6th place.
PREVIEW
Alex Neil is likely to opt for a squad not dissimilar to the one that triumphed on the South coast last week. The suspension of Howson obviously throws up a problem, but he’ll probably be replaced by O’Neil or Hoolahan who can slot into that midfield position without causing too much unease. Bennett’s injury may prevent Neil from altering the defence to his liking, especially after witnessing Whittaker have a less than satisfactory performance and claiming he will ‘assess the players and their qualities’. You would think, taking first impressions into consideration, he would see Whittaker as a weak link, but Cuellar’s fitness will determine how much Neil can meddle with the back four.
Norwich have the chance to leap frog Brentford who sit in 5th place, if ex-City manager Chris Hughton and his now-club Brighton can pull off an unlikely victory. Norwich will have to be wary of set pieces, with the threat of Whittingham’s free kicks as mentioned below. Gunnarson also offers the option of a long throw, which worked to Cardiff’s benefit last week as Morrison headed past Fulham ‘keeper Bettinelli. But if Norwich can recreate some of the good flowing football that we’ve seen this season, buoyed by a refound team-spirit, there should be no issues on Saturday.
PREDICTED TEAM
CARDIFF
Form – L L D L W
Cardiff are the next visitors at Carrow Road, and Norwich will be looking to capitalise on a team who have been rather inconsistent all season, and consequently languish in mid-table. They did secure their first win in five, beating 18th placed Fulham 1-0, but then again their home ground is where 74% of their points have come from. It’s on the road where they have struggled, which gives Norwich that green light to potentially exploit them; they’ve managed just one victory, despite earning various draws, but have scored just 9 goals in 12 trips away. That’s only excusable if their home form is astounding, and while they’ve regularly brushed off average teams, they’ve failed against the top clubs. Losses to Norwich, Middlesbrough and Bournemouth all came in September, and they also fell short against Brentford and Watford more recently. The only team from the current top 6 that they have beaten at home is Ipswich, which, of course, we don’t mind.
Cardiff fell down a slippery slope last season, with problems on and most notably off the pitch. Manager Mackay was involved in a scandal which accused him of sending racist/homophobic/sexist (amongst others) text messages, and from the controversy which surrounded that, the club’s forward momentum has been hindered. It’s like they’re still in a hangover from last season’s trauma, and a quick return seems almost out of the question.
Key Men
David Marshall – A bold figure in the Cardiff net – a player who used to play for Norwich – and hit his peak last season, almost single handedly keeping Cardiff in the Premier League. He attracted many a club, but the Welsh side managed to hold onto him when they were relegated. Last season he was instrumental in keeping Norwich strikers at bay, with 31 shots in the first fixture of which none found the goal – Fer infamously put that drop-ball in the back of their net in frustration.
Peter Whittingham – A dead ball specialist, and a key cog in the Cardiff City machine. Taking a huge role in linking defence and midfield with an 82% pass accuracy – impressive considering many of those passes are risky dangerous ones. Whittingham has clocked up 5 goals this season, and a scattering of assists to complement that.
Sean Morrison – Cardiff’s top scorer with 10 goals says what needs to be said really. He is their main source, and scored two headers from corners against Bournemouth on the road, which not only represents his aerial ability, but the quality of delivery from Whittingham. Along with Kenwyne Jones, set pieces and aerial duals may be something that Norwich are vulnerable on when it comes to Saturday, especially with our experiences with Reading this season.
LAST MEETING
The reverse fixture of this game was one that looked won for Cardiff by half time, as they sported a 2-0 lead going into the break. Adams made the astute tactical decision to bring on Cameron Jerome who made an instant impact in giving Norwich a focal point. Before long, his hold up play had led Olsson to smash home from 8 yards, before his header was magnificently saved by Marshall. The rebound, however, fell to Hoolahan who fired the ball into the net. Comeback complete…but Norwich weren’t finished there. An slick overhead flick from Tettey allowed him the opportunity to drill the ball to the far post where it was turned in via a combination of Grabban and Turner, with the latter getting the final touch. Jerome rounded off a wonderful second half performance, and Marshal the keeper, shooting into the then empty net. 2-4. Perhaps Adams’ greatest day in charge of Norwich, and ever since Jerome has rarely been out of the starting line-up.
EX-CANARIES
Anthony Pilkington, who left in the summer is injured (surprise, surprise) so won’t feature on Saturday, but along with David Marshall and Tom Adeyemi, he makes up a trio of former Norwich players.
VERDICT
Although we’ve had our wobbles and misfortunes at home this season, I reckon we’ll beat Cardiff. I’m going for a 2-0 victory.
