Correct me if I’m wrong but Gunn’s last 2 games were in makeshift sides when we were struggling with injury and against an in form Arsenal, not a fair reflection on what he can offer. I’m hoping for a big performance from him. If as it sounds Krul may be out for an extended set of games Gunn has got to see this as a real opportunity to perhaps cement a place and usurp Krul
Positive news from DS that Normann, Gilmour, Rupp and Omobamidele should be back for the cup game against Wolves
I’m not sure I want to see him back near the first team, looked off the pace last season let alone seeing him in the Prem
He’s barely been fit since being violently assaulted (completely unpunished) by that West Ham player. It would be interesting to see if he can ever recover that level because until then he was our best Premier League defender (OK, for all of about six matches).
I was at that game and seem to remember the ref brandishing a yellow card at Zimmermann as he left the pitch on a stretcher. I'm sure there's a dedicated Reddit thread about it
Back to Watford, tonight's match could be the key, as a win would take us out of the relegation zone on 16 points, though the others have games in hand. A draw would mean a point with another game gone and a loss would seriously compromise our survival chances. With 2 wins in the last 3 I'm reasonably hopeful but also nervous as hell. Part of that is the loss of Krul. As Suffolk says, Gunn had a thankless task with a depleted makeshift team in front of him last time out so should do better this time with our strongest back line in place. All 3 of Palace's goals were perfectly placed in the corners and would beat any keeper. Krul will be missed for sure, but we need a back-up who's ready to step in and hopefully Gunny will seize his chance. Robin Sainty's view on Watford: https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/norwich-everton-summary-8633142
I would be happy with the same 11 other than Gunny for Krul and the same tactics and energy. Everton are a better side than Watford and Watford are missing their best players tonight . The away to London teams record isn't good , but we beat Brentford and Watford are a bogey team but I'm quietly confident we can throw a spanner In the works and get Ranieri fired tonight
LAWRO'S PREDICTION Both teams ended six-game losing runs last weekend, with Norwich beating Everton and Watford drawing at Newcastle. Norwich's win was the only victory any of the bottom four teams have managed between them in the 20 league games they have played in total since 4 December. It lifted the Canaries up two places off the bottom of the table and shows how precious three points would be to both of these sides here. The scenario will probably make it a very nervy match, with both teams afraid of making a mistake, but I think home advantage will help the Hornets edge it - just about. Lawro's prediction: 2-1
Lawro has never been a fan of City, (unless it's Man City) always predicts us to lose, never has predicted us to win a game
We are playing in the salmon kit tonight. What has happened to the away kit? Haven’t seen it once this season have we?
First goal feels crucial tonight. Watford clearly have firepower and if were chasing the game I could see them scoring 3. Norwich score first and the home fans are going to be vocal in their disapproval, and we can play our own game.
Almost time for the announcement of the team. Be very interesting to see what Smith does - stick with the team who did well against Everton or revert back to 4-3-3 to match Watford. I don't envy him having to make the decision. Wish Krul was playing - he is so instrumental in organising the defence in front of him.
