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NORWICH CITY v WATFORD
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Carrow Road
Saturday 21st September 2024
Kick Off : 1230 BST
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The fortunes of our two clubs have been closely linked. Promoted together and relegated together. With a ground capacity of just over 27,000, they along with Watford do not have the luxury of huge grounds, and find it necessary to run the club sustainably.
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With highly-regarded first-team coach Narcis Pelach having departed for Stoke City this week, it remains to be seen what impact that will have on Norwich.
Just one victory has been posted in their first five league games, that coming away at Coventry City, although some context is needed when draws have been recorded against the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United.
Last time out, Norwich went down by a 1-0 scoreline at Swansea City, the third time in seven outings in all competitions that they have failed to score this season.
Positives can be taken from only six goals being conceded in five games, yet Thorup will acknowledge that they must drastically improve in the final third, having scored just four times.
As for Watford, there will be disappointment that they have not been able to build on starting the new Championship season with three successive triumphs.
Nevertheless, reaching 10 points from five games is still a major plus for Tom Cleverley, their only defeat coming away at Sheffield United.
The Hornets responded to that with a 1-1 comeback draw versus Coventry City, a result that has kept Watford in the top six for the time being.
Team New
Midfielder Liam Gibbs and forward Ante Crnac are among the Norwich players who will feel in contention for a recall on Saturday.
The latter could replace Oscar Schwartau on the right-hand side, but the likes of Jacob Sorensen, Christian Fassnacht and Ashley Barnes are all sidelined through injury.
Having been stretchered off during last weekend’s draw with Coventry, the outlook appeared bleak for Giorgi Chakvetadze, but the outcome is far better than first feared, and the Hornets are hopeful he will be available.
Imran Louza and recent signing Angelo Ogbonna are available for selection.
“This will be the toughest team selection I’ve had to date,” said Tom looking ahead to the trip to Carrow Road.
“We have more strength in depth, and it’s a nice problem to face.”
Our Officials
Anthony Backhouse
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The Cumbrian official, who was promoted to the Select Group 2 list last season, has officiated in five matches to date in the new campaign, showing a total of 23 yellow cards and one red.
Alex James and Matthew McGrath are due to be the assistant referees for the 12.30pm kick-off, with Daniel Middleton on fourth official duties.
