Norwich take on Burton Albion today for the first time in their history. Ahead of this, we spoke to Ashley Wilkinson from the Burton Mail to get the lowdown on the Brewers.
Who should Norwich be wary of?
Jackson Irvine has hit the ground running since his club record move from Ross County. The club record fee has hit four goals in seven games and is a nightmare for the opposition midfield to deal with.
Which Norwich player do you fear the most?
Wes Hoolahan’s record speaks for itself – he is a real handful at Championship level.
What do you think about Burton’s transfer business in the summer?
13 players have come in with 12 leaving, and it seems that the Brewers’ transfer business is paying dividends.
Championship experience has been added to the defence in Ben Turner and Kyle McFadzean while the likes of Irvine and Ryan Delaney have been added with the potential of playing at this level.
How has life in the Championship been so far for Burton?
A mixed bag but generally impressive. Two wins from eight is not a stellar record but their performances have certainly warranted more. The wins have come against Derby County (a historic night for the club) and Sheffield Wednesday – two sides fighting for promotion this season.
Burton are, of course, one of the few sides never to have played Norwich in their history. What can we expect from them?
It will be a difficult afternoon for Albion but they will certainly look to attack – they have created more chances than most other Championship sides this term and have scored, but conceded, in equal measure.
Where do you think Burton will finish this season?
If they can keep picking up points as they are, I see no reason why they can’t stay in the division given their attacking performances early in the season. But it will be the most difficult task in the club’s history.
Predicted XI?
McLaughlin; Mousinho (capt), Brayford, Turner; Akins, Palmer, Irvine, Naylor, Dyer; O’Grady, Ward.
Score Prediction?
2-2 – O’Grady and Irvine with Albion’s goals
Thanks very much to Ashley for taking the time to speak to us. We will have to wait and see how Norwich’s first meeting with Burton will pan out.
