As the next in line to start the thread is unwell, he has asked me to take over for this game. A certain poster, no name, but we all know who it is, is unhappy with this. I can assure you that I have no intention of picking up the next thread, irrespective of the result. Another must win game for us. We are due some luck, and this might be the one. More content to follow.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION The Canaries had a bounce under Dean Smith in January but they have lost their past six games and we pretty much know where they will be playing next season, even if it is not mathematically certain yet. Brighton's current form is actually just as bad - they have lost six in a row too - and only scored once during that run. This is Norwich they are playing, though. If the Seagulls are going to break their scoring hoodoo then they will do it at home, against the bottom side. I am actually tipping them to score twice on Saturday, which might sound unlikely, but if Norwich go 1-0 down they have to go for it and that would increase Brighton's chances of getting another one. Well, that's my theory anyway! Prediction: 2-0
Dean Smith provided a grim injury update this morning that included a worrying diagnosis for Ozan Kabak on a hamstring injury that City’s boss fears will rule him out for the rest of the season. Norwich do hold an option to sign the Turkish international permanently but that looks unlikely if they do get relegated. Norwich will also likely be out first choice full-backs Max Aarons and Brandon Williams through injury. We brought you the story at the start of the international break that both had pick up knocks, Smith is hoping neither is out for the long-term. https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...sletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=DM56487
Just on way to this one. First visit to the AMEX. Unfortunately despite attending a good few games thiis season, still yet to see a win. Will that change this afternoon? I fear not, but am always hopeful. COYY.
The first three were stated as injured in the presser. I guess Sargent must also have picked up a last-minute injury. Sargent out, so Smith replaces him with the fourth of our midfield musketeers. We are lucky to have such an inspired coach.
The first three had already been ruled out and Sargent was a doubt because he turned an ankle in training on Tuesday.
On the plus side, Watford lost 2-0 at Liverpool and Rashica scored twice for Kosovo during the international break.
I know there are loads of injuries, but a sudden dramatic change of personnel and formation… looks a bit like Hughton’s last game in charge…
Not that many injuries, Rob. And although we have yet another formation (it would seem), the personnel are depressingly familiar. And, sadly, this is a long, long way from Smith's last game in charge.
Come on then Gozo. Let's hear the line up you'd prefer to see. DS has picked the strongest starting eleven available to him. Who would you leave out, and in favour of whom?
It's not my job, Robbie, I'm not paid silly money to make these decisions, and I freely admit I wouldn't be competent to do so. However, if you force me to say what I'd do, I would give up on this season, I wouldn't try to play my 'strongest starting eleven' which have failed so miserably for the whole of this season, I would give game time to Sorensen and Tzolis to offer them a genuine chance to show what they can do and see if they might have what it takes for next season, I would make sure Rowe got lots of minutes over the next few weeks, I would give Kamara a taste of top level football, I would see what effect not playing McLean has on the midfield because I suspect that his lack of positional discipline and sense that he now has the free role vacated by Buendia is leaving huge holes in our midfield whilst his lack of touch and finesse severely limits our creativity, I would get rid of Sargent who has L2 ability with a ball at his feet, and I wouldn't play any of the loanees again (unless contractual obligations meant I had to). I have answered with honesty, although I suspect you will take this as an opportunity to sneer at me and accuse me of naivety, just as from your Olympian heights you accused Farke of the same. To which I reply, Smith has had nearly twenty games now, the performances are certainly no better, the style of the football is much worse, and there is not the slightest indication that he has any idea whatsoever about which direction this club should take in the future.
