From the guardian 10 things to look out for in the premier league this weekend Norwich pushing on It initially looked like Norwich were in for a trying season under Chris Hughton as they went until 20 October without winning a league match. But since beating Arsenal at Carrow Road they have gone six matches unbeaten, keeping four clean sheets in that time. Not that tightening up defensively has lessened their threat in attack. Although Grant Holt is on his own up front, he is well supported by the delightful trio of Anthony Pilkington, Wes Hoolahan and Robert Snodgrass, while Alex Tettey has added steel in midfield. Norwich were superb against Manchester United last Saturday and Everton, looking to put their wasteful defeat to Reading behind them, will have to be at their best.
If Distin isn't in the starting XI then I'll worry about Holt causing us problems, we'll have to keep Hoolahan quiet as well. If Mirrallas is fit then I think we'll have far to much for you going forwards, without him we've no real pace & we'll be forced to knock the ball around in front of your back line, which could make for a tedious afternoon. If Fellaini was playing I'd give you no chance of getting anything, without him we might be a bit predictable & I reckon you might get a point.
Having certain players in your team doesn't necessarily guarantee you victory. United had van Persie yet he was useless last week.
Van Persie wasn't exactly useless. He had an early shot into the bottom corner only just saved by Ruddy for a corner. He also had that startling chance when he was through on goal and did that wonderful impression of a baby giraffe getting his legs all tangled. City aren't winning because other sides are playing poorly, it's because they're playing better, especially in defence. Everton will be another stern test. OTBC!
Van Persie was nowhere near the quality he usually is though, that's my point. Just cos a certain player is playing it shouldn't guarantee a result as the Everton fans seem to be suggesting.
I'm afraid I have still not forgiven Everton for the 84-85 season. Fielding pretty much a youth team against Coventry to save their star names for the FA Cup final (they had already won the league). Coventry won (3-0 from memory?) and sent us down. There is no way Coventry would have beaten their first team at that time. Mugged us off good and proper. Long memory eh? lol EDIT: Memory a little wrong. Cov won 4-1!
Goodison is a tough gig but somehow I reckon we could get something. Lawro (the tw*t) has us down to lose so even more inclined to think draw. Can't quite see a win but couldn't see us beating Man Utd or Reading beating Everton. Re-reading the post, I think this has been a waste of time, sorry!
I'll happi;y take a 1-1 draw and a win for us would be a MASSIVE bonus, as they'll be trying to recover from defeat last week - we are on a good run though!!!
1-0 Norwich. Holt. 64 minutes. Us on the back of our best result of the season, everton on the back of their worst. Definitely worth a cheeky £10 flutter.
I actually fancy our chances today which is very dangerous. Don't think we have won any of the games I have thought we might this year! Actuall, this is just the kind of game Everton drop points in which must be very frustrating for their fans. Another pointer to us getting something is the fact their team has been hit a little with injuries and so one or two key names will be missing. Everton 1 Norwich 2 is my prediction (so 3-0 to Everton it is then.....)
As I suspected, bad bad injuries. Team: Howard, Jagielka, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Naismith, Osman, Hitzlsperger, Oviedo Pienaar, Jelavic --------------------------Howard------------------------ -------Heitinga----Jagielka----Distin----Baines-------- -----------------Hitzlsperger--Osman------------------- -----------Naismith-----Pienaar------Oviedo----------- --------------------------Jelavic-------------------------- So out three recognised right backs (Coleman, Hibbert and Neville) are all out injured meaning rather CB Heitinga or Jagielka will play right back. The trio behind Jelavic is easily interchangeable so I don't know if the three will be in those positions but they'll definitely occupy one of those positions.
EFC Subs: Mucha, Duffy, Hibbert, Gueye, Barkley, Vellios, Kennedy So we do have a right back but obviously not fit to start. Gibson, Neville, Anichebe, Coleman, Mirallas all injured with Hibbert not fit to start. Christs sake.
One change for us, Ryan Bennett comes in at centre back for the injured Michael turner Shame for turner, he'd been playing very well 4-5-1
I would take a point now but obviously hoping for all 3pts. Everton are a good side and always a tough team to beat.
Very bitty start. Looking almost lazy in midfield. Would like to see the tempo raised and get the ball wide.
