I'm going for home win 3-1. Neither of the games this season were particularly one sided. I fancy Mick to have a different outlook on playing games like this as opposed to his mantra of get the points on the board and see where we end up. These matches are completely different and need a slightly different approach, especially our home game.
Interesting point you make SD....no points at stake so maybe the approach will be slightly different.
They'll sit back and try and hit us on the counter in the 1st leg, I would imagine that they would be happy going back to the Carrot Patch with a 0-0...we really need to smash them on Saturday.
Totally different approach and tactics needed......we go in with no massive expectations, better morale...home advantage hugely important....so, just leave Tabby out, press forward and hit them hard in opening 10! 3-1 surprise surprise! Freddie, Murph....and Smith...who will see out these 3 games and then be praised and thanked and let go!
Realistically, I can't see us winning either game. Maybe I'm being a bit of a pessimist? However, in terms of squad strength, quality, form this year, and the two victories they chalked up against us this season, I think Norwich are rightly considered the strong favourites. It pains me to say this, but I think it would take an incredibly optimistic supporter to expect progress to the Final against this Norwich side. Of course we can live in hope, and it won't stop me cheering on the lads at Portman Road to continue the positive progress we've made this campaign. I think the fact that we're taking encouragement that Norwich didn't completely outplay us in both of their victories over us does offer a snapshot of where we are in comparison to Norwich. It'll probably be another game of low quality, nervy possession, and limited opportunities which were applicable to the other two this season. As a team, I don't think we can handle 'big games', a point I know I keep making, but one I think is vindicated considering our form since the turn of the year. Thankfully, we go into this match as underdogs and if we can play without pressure, a big ask considering the occasion, then maybe we'll be in a better position? Still, I predict a narrow 2-1 loss at our place and a 2-0 defeat at Carrow Road.
Interesting predictions. First of all, we HAVE to score first. Norwich have taken then lead something like the last THIRTEEN derby days, stretching back years. Go 1-0 down and it'll be tough to overcome. Midfield looks like where it'll be won/ lost. Thank christ we have Bishop back for this game. Skuse is in good form, so we'll battle away in the middle. Issue is they will have 3 v 2! Out wide we're dire. Tabb did quite well at what he does first half but is lightyears away from Naaaaaarwich! I'd start Chaplow LM with Anderson RM. Parr/Hunt were both appalling at Blackburn. Tabb's bound to start LM, Ando right I think. I'll plump for a fighting 1-1. Concede first and we're in all kinds of trouble for this one I'd say.
" Realistically, I can't see us winning either game. Maybe I'm being a bit of a pessimist? " Maybe you are! League double over Watford, win/loss v boro, beat Bournemouth on away goals over 2! But know what you're saying. This is very tough.
I think we may set up with our normal game plan and try to frustrate them and snatch a goal......I don't think we would come out on top if we stand toe to toe with them so I think we will stick to what has worked all season. I could be wrong.....
Only way is 4-3-3 with Varney/Sears/ Murphy uptop. If I see we've lined up 4-4-2, gut instinct would be back the Budgies.
It worries me that we've never won a cup game under Mick, and our defence hasn't been the same since Southampton, but there's potential/desire for a surprise. 1-0, Murph header half way through second half. Bart Chambers Smith Berra Mings Tabb Skuse Bishop Varney Murph Sears
we must start with Kevin Bru, hes the only mid fielder we have with the ability to make an attack minded accurate pass, but its going to be a tall order so lets just bloody go for it.
This would be my team for Saturday; Bart Chambers Smith Berra Mings Bru Skuse Bishop Varney Murph Sears Got to play our best players against the Budgies, Got to be 4-3-3
