This has been a busy week for Norwich City, perhaps more for the movement off the pitch than on. Of course there was a 1-2 win at Rotherham in the Capital Cup, but there also was Lewis Grabban going AWOL, proceeding to be suspended until Tuesday—Transfer Deadline Day. Then on Saturday there were reports that Dieumerci Mbokani might sign on loan. That said, it’s time to focus on the Premier League again…
Introducing the talent
It’s hard to discuss Southampton without mentioning their incredible season in 2014-15. However, the previous triumphs haven’t continued into the current campaign, leaving the Saints second bottom in the league table. Norwich are tenth. Of course it’s too early to predict the season, but we’ve seen enough to recognise fans at St Mary’s Stadium are desperate for their fist win.
Making notes
– For starters, City’s bench will spark debate. With Grabban suspended, that opens a space for either Ricky van Wolfswinkel or Gary Hooper. Expect O Lobo, who’s in-form having scored his first competitive Norwich goal in two years at Rotherham. Hooper has been linked with a loan move to the Championship. Martin Olsson could be a sub having played for the U-21s on Friday, but Andre Wisdom’s versatility at centre-back and right-back makes him a more likely candidate. Odjidja-Ofoe also impressed versus Rotherham.
– Assume manager Alex Neil has addressed City’s inability to defend set pieces — so far they’ve conceded four goals from them. Southampton have options, but that depends on their lineup. The Saints often alter their formation, opting for a 4-2-3-1 usually, while not being afraid to try a 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2. Shane Long and Graziano Pellè have been the target men up top, with Jay Rodriguez used as a sub. In the back, they line up with Cédric Soares, Maya Yoshida, Jose Fonte and Matt Targett.
– Yet their lineup, particularly the midfield, could be hard to predict because the Saints played Europa League football on Friday. Perhaps the stamina will limit the home side’s effectiveness?
– Norwich will most likely stick to the same midfield that’s earned three points at Sunderland and one against Stoke. For all the talk about Wes Hoolahan being a luxury player, he’s created plenty of chances, along with right mid Nathan Redmond. Robbie Brady, Norwich’s new left-back, has also been a dominated presence on the opposing flank.
Predicting Norwich’s lineup
Verdict
1-1. This should be an open, entertaining football match. Southampton might have their breakthrough match and completely dominate. But Norwich could use the Europe League stamina against the home side and snatch a win. Either way, I expect Southampton to be strong on the counter-attack but for City to boss the midfield for large portions of the match.
Leave your predictions below.
[statsfc-score-predictor key=”n3hIsXGmdJ6AnSMKzUo6i09cnqzZIPNpYYb7QNmF” team=”Norwich”]
