Despite the tremendous pressure applied by Norwich in the second half of Saturday’s match at Villa Park, the ten-men Canaries succumbed to a 2-0 loss thanks to a brace from Jonathan Kodjia.
The Ivorian international and former Bristol City striker’s two goals either side of half time practically shut down any lingering hopes of a top six finish for Norwich.
Still without an official replacement for Alex Neil, Norwich’s horrendous away run of just one win in thirteen league games prior to the Villa defeat was exacerbated as the ten-men wasted excellent chances; Nelson Oliveira’s wasteful first touch let the ball get away from him after being played through by Jerome, who also sent an early shot narrowly past the post.
The Canaries will now look to stop the away rot at the Kirklees Stadium on Wednesday against top-two candidates Huddersfield Town. The Terriers lost their last two matches to sides battling relegation, including a 4-0 trouncing by Bristol City. Regardless, they know how to get out of sticky run’s in form, as they bounced back from picking up only five points from twenty-four at the end of 2016.
Alan Irvine’s side are going to have to improve defensively despite lacking two crucial fullbacks through suspension if they want to get anything out of this crunch-tie, but who would get into a Huddersfield-Norwich combined XI?
Danny Ward
Only twenty-three years old, Ward is an exciting young talent on a season-long loan from Liverpool; the Welshman already has international experience (at the Euro 2016 tournament) as well as Premier League capability after making his top-flight debut last season in a 2-1 win against Bournemouth.
Chris Lowe
Due to Mitchell Dijks still being suspended, left-back Chris Lowe is the obvious choice here. The German has been ever-present for The Terriers this season, having made thirty-three appearances.
Timm Klose
The big Swiss has not adjusted to the Championship intensity, but still possesses class and is a fan favourite. His presence is dominating when he’s on his game.
Chris Schindler
Huddersfield record signing Schindler rapidly made himself a leading figure in the Terriers squad. He has been praised abundantly by pundits for being unwaveringly solid throughout his debut season, having made two-hundred-and-sixty clearances in thirty-seven appearances.
Tommy Smith
This choice was made infinitely easier by Pinto’s suspension. Smith has got an outstanding nine assists (from right-back) this season, more than any other Canary.
Jonny Howson
No hesitation here.
Aaron Mooy
Also unquestionable. Australian international Mooy will return from his loan to parent club Manchester City in contention to play for the European giants regularly after such a successful spell at Huddersfield.
Jacob Murphy
With ten goals and six assists, although Murphy has been criticised for being lightweight this season, he has been back in the goals recently and is a prime talisman on the Norwich frontline.
Alex Pritchard
There is no doubt that all Canary fans are immensely frustrated with Pritchard’s lack of involvement this season. He could walk into all Championship teams.
Elias Kachunga
The Congolese international has bags of pace and is Huddersfield’s most prolific scorer, even though it’s his debut season, with eleven goals.
Cameron Jerome
Fourteen goals, five assists, and an incredible work-rate for a striker who has had to put up with one-up-front all season warrants Jerome a place in the combined XI.