First of all, let’s just take a moment to reflect. Since entering the job in early January, the mysterious, unproven Alex Neil has turned the fortunes of Norwich City upside down. A staggering win record of 80% (in Tim Sherwood terms) having lost and drawn once in a period of 10 games has propelled City back towards the top where even automatic promotion is on the horizon. Frankly, it’s been superb; scintillating stuff. Football which can, will and has been compared to Lambert’s magic season of 2010/11. Whether you like such a comparison or not, there’s no denying that Alex Neil has revitalised this club in a manner which has seldom been seen in recent times.
Then again the Hamilton fans did tell us how good he was – we just weren’t ready to believe them. Their high praise and flattering comments now seem very accurate; Hamilton have not won a single game since his departure, scored just three, and remarkably conceded twenty-one. The fall-out has been catastrophic for the Scottish club; the exact opposite of what’s happening down here in Norfolk.
Six wins on the bounce courtesy of some sexy slick football and a never-say-die attitude. Having comfortably stuck it to the old rivals Ipswich on Sunday, City have what could be seen as an ‘easier period’ ahead. However, as every person associated with club, no more so than Alex Neil, is keen to remind the fans, there are no easy games – no team is to be underestimated. So while Norwich fans may be expecting another six points to be cashed in from the next two matches, any hint of complacency could be capitalised on, especially with Wigan and Millwall both fighting for their lives.
But at the moment there is such an air of confidence circling around the club, that you and me alike, cannot help but think Norwich will trample all over the relegation-bound Wigan who travel to Carrow Road on Wednesday night. The away side are nine points adrift; accompanied by the equally poor Millwall, and the dreadfully inept Blackpool, the current bottom three look almost certain to be the trio who make the drop come May.
While this fixture may not have much bearing on their own season, it could be crucial (as every game is from now on) in ours. Chasing at our heels are Watford, Bournemouth and Ipswich, as well as Brentford and Wolves who are the last two who can realistically have promotion hopes. For Norwich, it’s a case of sustaining the form that they have produced over the last few weeks – a run which has perhaps been helped by the recent midweek games as they’ve allowed Norwich to get up ahead of steam. Tomorrow night will offer the same opportunity.
The visitors have taken six points from the last four games, as opposed to two from the 26 games (all competitions) prior to that; you could say they’re in-form. Alternatively, you could argue that such a word can’t really be branded with a team who have spent the last 17 matches in the relegation zone. Their latest game saw a win against rivals Blackpool – 1-3 the score – and the gap between the two clubs is now six points. I think Wigan handed out the final blow to Blackpool who have endured a nightmarish season, and as Jay Rosenior said on The Football League Show last weekend, the Tangerines should put it behind them and prepare for next year in League One. Wigan may yet escape, but it’s going to take a Sunderland/Bear Grylls-esque survival masterclass, and I don’t think they’ve got it in them. However, of Wigan’s 6 wins, 4 have come away from home (including the two mentioned), so Norwich must be wary the Latics don’t continue such success tomorrow.
The reverse fixture at The DW acted as the filling in a rotten Reading sandwich. The game itself lacked quality and flair, but Norwich ground out the three points. A first half right-footed strike from Johnny Howson sealed the victory, following some impressive hold up play from the then in-favour Gary Hooper. Since that encounter, Norwich have amassed more points than Wigan have all season.
Goals have been scarce as you would expect from a relegation-bound team. The injured ex-Norwich legend Grant Holt is the joint top striker with two league goals, while James McClean and Callum McManaman lead from midfield with six and five respectively. Malky Mackay underwent something of an overhaul in January, as well as losing Juan Carlos Garcia who’s very sadly been diagnosed with leukaemia. Kim Bo-kyung and Maguire, two of Malky’s January signings, scored in that 1-3 win versus Blackpool, and he claims that ‘all the lads who have come in have made a difference’.
Injuries and suspensions
Scott Carson returned to Wigan’s starting line-up for their last match so will almost certainly start. On the contrary, Cameron Jerome suffered an injury towards the end of the East Anglian derby so will probably be on the bench, or missing altogether. Alex Tettey is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards, however many fans including myself now believe it was tactical decision in order to rid himself of the risk with a ‘harder’ match versus Derby approaching. For Wigan, Leon Clarke came off the bench on Saturday having recovered from a shoulder injury so is in contention once again.
Predicted Team
Verdict
Now, I have to be careful. I’m not great at predictions. This could be a case of ‘ooh, we’re on a six game win streak…along comes Seb with a positive prediction…oh great he’s jinxed it!’. I’m feeling pretty confident though, and expect us to extend the said run of form. A win will put us 2nd on goal difference – no greater incentive should be necessary. I’m going 3-0!
