Match Day Thread Norwich v Plymouth

We owe Plymouth after they impacted the heaviest defeat of this season on us when we were at a real low point earlier in the season.

Norwich City return to Sky Bet Championship action after the international break, hosting Plymouth Argyle in a Good Friday clash (KO 3pm). Just before the break, the Canaries were 3-0 winners away to Stoke City. Josh Sargent, Gabriel Sara and Ashley Barnes were on the scoresheet at the bet365 Stadium. The three points mean David Wagner's side remain sixth in the Championship table.

The Opposition
After promotion from League One last season, Plymouth sit in 18th in the second tier so far this campaign. The Pilgrims will look to end their run of four games without a league win, as they sit two points above the relegation spots. They fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Preston North End in their last league outing.

One to Watch
Morgan Whittaker
With 18 Championship goals to his name so far this season, Morgan Whittaker will be Plymouth's main attacking threat. The 23-year-old began his career with hometown side Derby County, before joining Swansea City in February 2021. Whittaker spent the first half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Plymouth, before returning to Home Park on a permanent basis in July.

The Manager
Ian Foster
Replacing Steven Schumacher who left for Stoke in December, Ian Foster has been in charge of Plymouth since January. The 47-year-old had a spell in Ireland as manager of both Galway United and Dundalk, before coaching roles at Coventry City and Portsmouth, eventually joining the FA. Foster went on to manage various England youth sides, before becoming Steven Gerrard's assistant at Al-Ettifaq prior to his move to Plymouth.

Duffy has returned to full team training, Hanley and Sargent spent the international break working with the medical team to help their returns to full fitness and joined a few team sessions. Jon Rowe is on course for a return soon and has been seen on the grass but DW was clear that he would not be rushing him back into the team before he was satisfied that he is ready.

Positive vibes!!!

ON THE BALL CITY!!!

 

Another quality thread Buddy.
Keep up the good work.
Wembley here we come. COYY

 

Keep up the good work Suffolk!

WhoScored's Match Preview:

 

Mumba is sitting out this one due to accumulation of yellow cards. Miller also will not play. I think for the same reason. (Though he didn't play in the first fixture.)

 

Wagner's view on Núñez's improvement:

"What he has improved very, very much is his ball possession. He very rarely makes unforced errors, he's very reliable on the ball. He got stronger, yes, but physicality was never his biggest issue. He can run 13.5km every game without a problem, even if you play three games a week. Obviously because he has such good legs he is always in and around a challenge on the pitch. He is a lion, he is a fighter, he really goes for every challenge, even if he's only very short. This is always great to have in your team, and luckily he scored from a free-kick as well, because he has a very, very good set-piece, but the biggest progression he's made has been in being reliable in ball possession. All the other stuff was always there."

https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...ity-david-wagner-marcelino-nunez-improvement/

 

It’s a great quote and interesting to hear. I would love to know what tweaks he’s made to his game/ what advice he’s been given that has made that little bit of difference.

It might be a case of just adapting to the pace of the English game and so simply moving the ball on quicker, but equally it could be a technical point around control of the ball and decision making in terms of passing. Or something else!

 

With Leicester and Preston away and Ipswich at home as well as 3 other good sides in the playoffs still to come I wouldn't book your rail ticket just yet.But, as you say - COYY

 

Always best to be optimistic!

 

No changes made to the starting line up from the Stoke game. Hanley and Reneke miss out on the bench with Duffy and Montoia their replacements

 

I want to go to bed, but I also want to watch the game hummm

 

Is that a first time on the bench for Montóia?

 

http://www.fawanews.com/Norwich City vs Plymouth Argyle.html

....and I am still awake

 

Leicester lost Baggies drew

 

Damn it. We were looking flimsy when they were on the break.

 

we're now losing, maybe I should have gone to bed

 

**** it 1 down after 10min.
Not what we wanted

 

Sorensen badly positioned and Gibson not adapting left Whittaker with a training ground free header

 

Commentary changed from Radio Norfolk, hope that changes our luck

 

Sainz is beginning to grow into the game, not sure he touched the ball the first 10 mins

 

Sainz has looked really good so far