I know that most Norwich fans are in a gloom and doom state right now. We did blow automatic promotion. This game could be the one to wrap up the automatics if we had beaten Middlesbrough and Rotherham, but we didn’t. No sense dwelling on it. We have one game to get back on track before entering the playoffs, and we need to take that chance to get going today. Here are five things to look out for with Fulham on their way to Carrow Road.
1. This IS A Big Game
Most Norwich fans are encouraging Alex Neil to play a youth team for this game to rest up for the playoffs. I strongly disagree. We need to get some momentum going for the playoffs. The last time that a team lost their final game of the season and still went up through the playoffs was Hull in 2007-08. The last six playoff winners have all gotten at least a point in their final game, and five of those teams won their last match. No team since this league changed name from Division One to the Championship has ever gone winless in their final their final three games and gone up via the playoff route. So despite what the table may say, this is a massive game for us yellows.
2. Breaking the curse
It has been 26 years since Norwich last beat Fulham, and that stretches over 17 matches. They beat us twice last season in the league, a vital part of our relegation. They beat us 3-0 in the FA Cup replay, 5-0 in our first league game in 2012-13, and of course that dreadful 6-0 drubbing to relegate us on the final day in 2005. Of course, this season Lewis Grabban slammed a penalty off the crossbar and Josh Murphy also hit the woodwork from open play in a 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. One thing that every Norwich fan will want to break on Saturday, the Fulham curse.
3. Ross McCormack
The Fulham striker is by far the danger man for Norwich to watch out for. He is sky high on confidence after scoring a hat trick vs. Middlesbrough last time out. While two of those were from the penalty spot, he still had an excellent game and was the main spark in Fulham’s wild 4-3 win over the side with the best defense in the division. If he can score a hat trick on that defense that completely stymied us, he will definitely be able to hurt our back line. He has 28% of all the goals the Whites have scored this season and needs to be marked at all times.
4. Long ball to Matt Smith
Fellow Fresh Press writer and Fulham fan Harry Watkins says “There is a chance we could play an experimental squad but if we play our usual team, I would say to be careful of our long balls to Matt Smith. He is brilliant in the air and we always try to utilize it should he start”. The videos that I have watched do not lie. Fulham like to play the long ball to him through the middle. He leads the team in aerial duels won, and that is not even a close race. Ross McCormack is their big goal threat, no doubt. But Matt Smith is good in the air, and can often start moves by flicking balls on with his head, or even scoring with it. The Canaries will need to keep tabs on him when the ball goes into the air.
5. Late Game Efforts
I made it very clear that this was still a big game for us and that I wanted to win it. But, if it is tied deep into the 2nd half, will Alex Neil extend any extra effort into winning the game? I think that we should, but we won’t. If it is tied late, Alex Neil will want to conserve energy. There is at least a chance that we could be playing on Friday night, and that creates one less day to prepare for the playoff first leg. I think that he will go for it with a point to prove early, but as the game wares on will ease up. Maybe get some youth players on late if the game is already wrapped up. Possibly he will play a more defensive style instead of extending more effort looking for goals. The win is the important part, but making sure that we are fit with no injuries is just as important. Alex Neil knows that, and will plan accordingly.
That is it, Fulham is upon us. It is the final game of the season, and I am expecting a festive atmosphere at Carrow Road. OTBC!
