- Will Clement experiment with the squad during the final four season games?
- Prospects like Errol Mundle-Smith could receive extended runs in the team.
- Tactical flexibility and new midfield combinations offer fascinating potential.
As we reach the final four Norwich City games,it may be tempting to ask what is left to play for.
What is possible is that this is a unique opportunity – a chance for Philippe Clement to experiment and take another look at this team.
A settled Norwich City XI
It is easy to forget, given everything that’s happened with Norwich City’s season, that Clement has been with us a relatively short space of time.
While he has been bringing players on at half-time a lot in games, it will be interesting to see how much of this has been down to necessity and how much of it has been due to his own approach to squad management.
New blood
It has already been confirmed that Emi Marcondes will be leaving at the end of the season, and it is likely there will be other departures to come.
There may also be the temptation to give younger players such as Errol Mundle-Smith more of an extended run in the team to see if they can play consistently at higher level.
It would be beneficial too in terms of resting some of the squad members who have been through a very long slog this season.
Tactical shifts
The final four games also allows Clement the chance to consider a different approach to tactics.
Clement has shown himself to be flexible but there is further opportunity to look at ways to switch up the team dynamic and keep the opposition guessing.
While a two-upfront is unlikely, there may be tweaks in terms of how people are positioned on the field.
The squad offers some fascinating potential combinations – for example, finding a way to blend Anis Ben Slimane and Paris Maghoma or having Ali Ahmed and Oscar Schwartau on both wings.
No free hits
Knowing Clement, even if he does decide to use this time to work with the formation or switch things up, there will still be that desire to win, and I can’t see him allowing the players to relax.
There is definitely a sense that he doesn’t have “untouchables” in his squad and he is keen to emphasise that everyone has their role and a chance to shine.
With potential new contracts, a stronger place in the squad or getting into the squad in the first place up for grabs the beach can wait.
