Our next opponents in what matters most this season are Middlesbrough, who currently sit 3 points and one place outside the play-off spots. This fixture gives us a chance to exchange pleasantries with Jonny Howson and Patrick Roberts, who I suggest is nailed on to score The ubiquitous Colin is the manager, who according to wiki, has won 9, lost 9 and drawn 6 of his 21 games in charge(??) Over the years, honours pretty much even, with us winning 22, losing 21 and drawing 13. (But we beat them at Wembley, so that counts double, Warnock!! ) In fact since the play-off final, we've met them 5 times and emerged as 1 - 0 winners on each occasion Team news to follow, but we do know that Jordan Hugill won't feature, after limping off yesterday. Farke said “We expect him to be out for a while. It looks like a hamstring injury" Fingers crossed Pukki / Idah make swift recoveries - or will it be an unexpected debut for Soto? Tune in for updates as they happen. To end, a tribute to a damned fine servant - repeat performance NOT required this Saturday, thank you very much.
4 days ago, Pinkun were saying the work permit wasn't finalised, and he wasn't in training. Sounds like he'd struggle to be ready.
So assuming Pukki, Idah and Hugill are out for this game... Safe bet might be starting Placheta up top but i'd love to see Soto get a run out too. Is Stieperman out still?
Just listened to Michael Bailey's podcast, recorded last night. It sounds like there is still paperwork required before Soto and Giannoulis can play for the first team.
Sorry have I missed something: are Hugill. Pukki and Idah all out of contention for the Middlesborough game? Cant find any news about these players and their injuries.
?? "This evening [Tuesday] a club statement confirmed: "Norwich City can confirm that the application for Dimitris Giannoulis’ work permit has been successful." "The Greek left-back is now officially eligible to train with his new team-mates and feature for City in competitive match action, starting with the weekend’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Middlesbrough at Carrow Road."
Ok so presumably that news wasn't out at the time of recording. That press release was about 5pm, they couldn't even take a photo of him holding a shirt before the work permit was given. Nevertheless, it gives Giannoulis only a few days of training and meeting his teammates, before the game this weekend. I could see Sorensen keeping the spot another week.
I thought I’d heard that both Pukki and Idah were in contention for this weekends game but neither would be fit enough for a full 90mins?
Would love to see What Soto could do. I can’t see Farke starting Gianoulis, he likes players to bed in a bit so if Sorensen is fit I imagine he will retain his role at left back this weekend.
Not seen it confirmed yet, imagine we'll hear during Farke's pre-game press conference. I think it's likely 2-6 weeks, based on the initial reports. But they needed a scan. Looking through the picture gallery from first team training today, there was no sign of Hugill, but Idah, Pukki and Giannoulis were involved, as were recent absentees Quintilla and Zimmerman. I didn't notice anyone other than Hugill, McLean and McGovern missing. Although I don't know every face!
City have played M'Boro 5 times since Howson moved there, and we have won all of them, and all by 1 - 0 scoreline. What are the odds for that tomorrow?