NORWICH CITY v WATFORD Carrow Road Monday 2nd January 2023 Kick Off: 1500 GMT please log in to view this image Note: This game is being shown on Sky, so is not on Hive. Just where does one start after the dreadful display against Swansea. The sports writers suggest that Slav will make changes to the team, but it is difficult to see where these replacement players are coming from. While Watford still remain in the play-offs and just two points adrift of third-placed Blackburn Rovers, they have now failed to score in five of their last seven fixtures. Of course Norwich are not having a much better time. On the back of three defeats from four games, some Norwich fans would have been satisfied with a point against Reading , but their side now sits just two points ahead of 15th position. While they are also only three points adrift of third spot, Norwich remain one of the promotion-chasing sides who are most out of form heading into January. Norwich, who show great loyalty to their managers, decided that enough was enough from Dean Smith, so Steve Weaver and Allen Russell are in temporary charge. So as we start a New Year, it remains to be seen if one, or both sides can turn this run of bad results around and head back to the EPL. Both sets of fans will probably hope for some success in the transfer window, but how many players will the owners be prepared to pay for? Our Officials JAMES LININGTON Sam Lewis and Rob Smith Fourth Official : Keith Stroud The last time we saw Mr. Linington was back in early November when we won against Reading at the Vic. A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE
"The Hornets will be forced to do without 10 injured first-team players tomorrow afternoon [Monday January 2, 3pm KO] at Norwich City. Tom Dele-Bashiru sustained ankle ligament damage in a challenge at Swansea and is set for a spell of at least a couple of months on the sidelines. It adds to an extraordinary list of midfielders currently in the treatment room; contact injuries during matches accounting for more than half of those. In total, 11 players are unavailable to Watford Head Coach Slaven Bilić, as Hassane Kamara serves the second of a four-game suspension." (Watford FC) I wonder whether referees have been guilty of allowing some dangerous tackles on Watford players because Millwall and Swansea adopted a very physical approach in an attempt to unsettle the Watford players. Both João Pedro's and Dele-Bashiru's injuries were the result of challenges. I was surprised that Darling (central defender of Swansea) was not given a red card (as opposed to a yellow one) for violent conduct when he clattered into Bachmann after he had caught the ball and sent him flying behind the goal line by the side of the goal. Darling made absolutely no attempt to play the ball. Bachmann needed several minutes of treatment. This happened during the game before Swansea scored their first goal. Not holding out any hope at Norwich. No fit midfield players and the club website states that the new signings will not be eligible to play tomorrow. At least James Linington (whom I watched when he refereed Reading v Swansea) seems to be one of the better referees.
Saw this elsewhere: “So because there's games in this round of fixtures where teams had to play before the window opened, any team playing tomorrow also can't field new signings” Basically they were never going to be allowed to play then
With our current run of injuries and a couple of still available players not performing to any acceptable standard this might be the time to see if any of the academy players will make the grade This season is done and dusted apart from a 1999 type late surge to the playoffs, I have never known a season where we have had so many injuries and never ending bad luck Our owners have to accept that we have to start a total rebuild this season ready for a push for promotion next season If they cannot or will not accept that then the best thing they can do is sell us and move on
Maybe they will wait till we are actually out of the play-off picture- admittedly not sure how we are still as high as 7th mind you! Doesn't look too rosy but doubt anyone will be looking too far ahead and will be keen to get players in who can produce the goods now. If we don't go up not sure Martins and Kone will still be with us anyway so maybe not long term options.
No decision here on how to watch, as I will be sat outside the Physio when the game starts, so only updates from my phone. I might be pleased to not watch.
3 full backs in the team and Kalu starting shows the issues we have . Let’s just hope we are positive and at least put in a performance.
Well we will be sitting back just hoping for the best I guess .. And maybe hope Sarr decides he turns up .
Afternoon all! As supporters we have to accept the ups and downs although it is frustrating when highly paid professionals do not put a shift in. Will look for a stream.
Yes one thing losing but being unlucky or performance ok and another not even looking to compete or try .
