Interesting independent view of Shaun Duffy's performance today: https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/s...ffy-may-turn-out-to-be-a-remorse-not-a-regret
Simon Thomas is replacing Jeff Stelling at Sky. Great news, we should get a little better coverage now.
Carlton Palmer on our chances this season: "Norwich City have made some good signings this summer, Ashley Barnes from Burnley, an experienced centre-forward with promotions under his belt, Shane Duffy from Fulham, Jack Stacey from Bournemouth," Palmer said when speaking to Football League World. "Norwich did their business early, David Wagner is no stranger to success in the Championship and getting the players in early to work with them gives you an advantage. I think it'll be an extremely tough and competitive league next season with the teams coming down all looking very strong, but I think that Norwich are definitely play-off contenders."
Considering the teams that came down from the premiership I'd take playoffs now if you offered it to me
I have to agree, zogy. Our presumptive dm, Sorensen, hasn't been playing preseason games because of a minor groin problem. And Tomkinson is out 10-12 weeks. I'm doubtful he would have made the first team, anyway. I pray Sainz doesn't become another Mulumbu who broke his foot the week before our first game some years ago. Mulumbu wasn't able to contribute much after he came back. I don't see how we can get off to a fast start in the league.
I think McLean is probably pencilled in for the most defensive midfield role, dropping deeper as he did in February. A limited pre-season probably hasn't helped Sorensen's case.
Núñez has also been used in that role in the preseason. That may be because of our failures after McLean was injured last season and Sørensen's present injury. It could also be to use Nunez's pace to cover opposing counter attacks, as with Hanley out, our CBs lack pace. It could also allow Sara and Núñez to play together, should it work out. The Pinkun reporters have been suggesting that Wagner isn't looking for a dedicated DM because it doesn't fit with his tactics. The Toulouse game may tell us more.
Yes, McLean and Núñez have been taking turns in the pivot role in recent friendlies. Núñez has the pace and range of passing needed, but it's a lot to ask of a player, whose instincts and experience are attack-centred, to quickly develop the discipline and positional sense required. McLean has had more experience, but is slower and only marginally more disciplined and positionally savvy. If we are going to rely on those two rather than bring in a dedicated DM, I hope Wagner settles on one or the other; we've tried rotating midfield players before .........
Thanks, DH. I thought it was Sorensen we were counting on. I like McLean better when he plays deeper than farther up. edit. had to change "further" to "farther" before the grammar police gave me a ticket.
Welcome news from the EFL. Referees will now manage additional time similar to how it was in the World Cup. We could see 10-15mins additional time if teams are trying to time waste. https://www.efl.com/news/2023/july/match-officials-adopt-new-approach-for-202324-season/
I personally would still favour an off field timekeeper, as used in Rugby Union. It has worked well for years. We can learn a lot from Rugby, the sin bin is another idea I would welcome
Thanks for that, Suffolk. I'm not sure about the Offside rule. I'll have to see how that plays out. I can see it being a problem when the ball is being kicked about in the box.
It looks like yesterday's starting lineup will remain the same for Hull, who have also been unbeaten through the preseason. That sounds impressive, but all of their games before yesterday's 1-1 draw with FC Nantes were against English teams from League One or below with 6 goals for and 4 against. With Pukki gone, much will depend on Sargent's partnership with Barnes and what Fassnacht and Sainz can add to the attack in place of Dowell on the right. Sara, McLean and Núñez look to be raring to go in midfield but it's in defence that the biggest change has occurred. Duffy's partnership with Gibson has brought a new composure and solidity and Stacey has defended well and attacked even better than Aarons. Those earlier concerns about Hanley's injury and the loss of Aarons seem to have faded and the amazing breakthrough of Kellen Fisher has added a backup at RB as well. Every position has a strength, depth and competition that has been spotty in previous seasons. Should Rashica and/or Aarons leave this window it would be less of a blow now and allow for further rebuilding. It seems Krul may now move on and there's still the possibility of Omobamidele as well, but the club is in a much stronger position to deal with any negotiations now.
My Football Writer league predictions for 2023/2024. https://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/2023/07/30/mfws-championship-preview-2023-2024/ And, to save you trawling through it all..... 13th – Norwich City I’m pretty sure that some of those with a prescriptively positive outlook will have stopped reading at this point, but given the form since February and no change in style, I can’t see anything better in the pipeline for City right now. This is most definitely more than the 13th most-talented squad in the division, but it is one that is going to be trying to play counter-attacking football at Carrow Road where teams will not be looking to be overly adventurous in the first place. Another change of manager in late Autumn is the last thing we need for stability but I struggle to see beyond it for a team that is goal shy, short on confidence and barely changed from that which crashed like a stone for the last three months of last season. My guess is that unless we start surprisingly well, Narcis Pelach will be in charge before November.
"This is most definitely more than the 13th most-talented squad in the division, but it is one that is going to be trying to play counter-attacking football at Carrow Road where teams will not be looking to be overly adventurous in the first place." If this guy was at Carrow Road on Saturday and thought we played "counter-attacking football", why would anyone bother reading (or, for that matter, posting) his rubbish?
Smart lad. He's got the mighty HCAFC finishing 7th, but Plymouth 6th and Norwich 13th. Come on!!!...Plymouth won't get out of the bottom 6th all season, and you lot will be in and around the playoffs from the get go.
