i quite fancy us to go up there and take all three points. be it the 'hughton returning' factor or whatever, i've felt for a couple of weeks we might win this one. i'd be happy with a point though. comparing to last year there's not much difference so people worrying need to think about last year. we arguably had a similar start fixtures wise too, with three winnable games and one away against a top side, we've pretty much scored the same number of goals too but we're a point better off. if we ignore the fulham game, seeing as it was a bit of a freak game, would everyone have been happy had we openend the season unbeaten with three straight draws? stoke have drawn their opening four games yet nobody is saying they've made a poor start.
I refer you to the results from the first matches last season (assuming they're all correct, covering my ass as I don't trust the internet LOL): Wigan Athletic 1 – 1 Norwich City Norwich City 1 – 1 Stoke City Chelsea 3 – 1 Norwich City Norwich City 0 – 1 West Bromwich Albion Bolton Wanderers 1 – 2 Norwich City Norwich City 2 – 1 Sunderland Norwich, Norfolk Had to wait awhile for a win last season and we did ok. Give the squad and Hughton a chance to settle down, Holty needs to find his form (as he usually does and no it's NOT fat related) but i'm not concerned about the state of the table yet. I agree given the time a draw is the min ideally
I agree Rich and remember it well, your scores are correct. My concern is highlighted by the fact that we won games 5 and 6 which would be difficult to emulate this time around. I certainly am not panicking at this point but would like to see Holt's form pick up, he also started slowly for the last two seasons but I am concerned that the contract talks have become something of a weight on his shoulders and he needs a goal to get going.
I do fancy us to get something from the toon.... I think we might even get all 3 points. Things do tend to even out over a season and we have suffered from a number of fantastic saves and shots hit straight at the keeper. Sooner or later some of those are going to go in and then watch all those saying we have a problme scoring goals dissappear like smoke
I have two nephews who support Newcastle (fair enough as they grew up there!). The Magpies will be tough at home, but I think there could be a fair chance of a 1-1 draw given our strengthened defence. Always great games with the Toon army though! OTBC!
Sorry to bump lads, but I had to thank you all for taking the time to respond on this thread. I wish you all the best for the season! I too think this game could go either way, with our jeckel and hyde performances perhaps setting this up as a close match. Norwich have played some great stuff, and it fits right in with Hughton's ethos, with Grant Holt a key player whether he scores a lot or not. Believe me, Chris will persist with a big man upfront all season long, because it suits a very direct approach and allows the more technical players space, time and opportunity to use their magic. Carroll and Zigic before him were permanent fixtures when fit, so our defence will have to be on good form to put Grant under pressure, with Perch/Tiote/Bigirimana (who looks a real player, so watch out for him if he gets game-time, he just played in Europe) sweeping up to deny space. I'm really looking forward to the match, because even if we lose I get to pay tribute to a man I have so much respect for, Chris Hughton! Gutted he was sacked, not sure he'd have done too much worse than Pardew, because he was honing a good side with little money. Still, can't really complain about how it's turned out, and I'm sure you'll be very delighted with what will hopefully be a long-term appointment.
