My concern is that Pukki is our only experienced striker. Sargent (21) and Idah (20) are both relatively inexperienced. The Palace game showed us what life without Teemu could be like. Hugill didn't do well in Farkeball which wasn't suited to his style of play, especially as his appearances were mostly as a sub. At West Brom he's had 7 starts and 13 sub appearances. For them and for us last season he came on against packed defences most of the time. This is rarely the case for us in the PL, where playing alongside Pukki could provide different options, including the 'defensive striker' role DH has highlighted. It might not make any difference but I don't think we're going to sign a new striker, so having another option up front and in defence against set pieces might have some benefit.
That's pretty drastic as Pukki just returned but , I like it. Gianoulis & Tzolis on the left . Same reason
I agree that only Pukki as quality and experience up front is a problem, but I think what we are really missing is an attacking midfielder who has the strength to control the game and draw in the opposition. We are just lacking so much creativity, both in terms of ball direction but also making the opposition defence break up and lose shape. That could be Rashica, but he’s too much of a winger for me. Cantwell would have been perfect but hasn’t found his mojo (and the general controversy of course). Dowell’s style would have been ideal and I like him but I fear his level is top of the Championship. Lees-Melou has had the occasional spurt of quality (including nearly creating goals) but has had too many shockers and near-misses to really make me think he might suddenly improve. So for me it’s lacking in the squad.
Idah could be the answer but we just don’t know yet. For me he hasn’t been given a chance still, he’s either thrown on with 5-10 minutes to go and we are already trailing or out of the game, or he is given a full game for an already well depleted side that Pukki himself was struggling in anyway. We need to give him a run of games somehow and let him ge ton the groove. Unfortunately we can’t afford to do that this year unless Pukki gets injured. But next season if he is to be the future of this club then we need to bite the bullet and do that.
Smith considering a back 3 for tonight: https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/ncfc-consider-three-at-the-back-against-whufc-8614966 That hasn't been an option lately because of Covid and injuries, but it could be a good option with the WBs providing the width in attack. A 3-5-2 like we used at Spurs could make it difficult for Antonio, especially if Sørensen provides an effective screen in front, given his ability to play as CB. Be interesting to see what happens.
If Omobamidele was fit, I would consider Kabak as a DM as he can dribble! Maybe like a defensive, central version of George Best
Predicted XI: Tim Krul; Max Aarons, Ozan Kabak, Grant Hanley, Ben Gibson, Brandon Williams; Jacob Sorensen, Kenny McLean, Pierre Lees-Melou; Teemu Pukki, Milot Rashica
I really am not sure if I want to watch this one tonight but I guess I will, even if just to remind me of that sinking feeling when an early goal is conceded
I'm going to this one tonight with a couple of hopes:- 1. Hoping Antonio doesn't score as many as the last time we played them! And 2. Hoping for a bit of a performance similar to that against Man Utd. At least if my hopes are dashed, it's only a 20 minute train ride home instead of 2 hours.
I have grave doubts and I really have lost all confidence in this team Thank heavens I am too far to be bothered to travel to attend the games
Norwich manager Dean Smith has chastised Norwich fans for their sarcastic goal celebrations away to Crystal Palace. He obviously doesn't know what it's like to be a Norwich travelling away fan. You need a sense of humour when you are lucky to get a single away win like Everton away last season in the Premier league. I was at West Ham last game , the stadium is too big for them. The facilities are excellent but the pitch is way too far from the fans.
Possible good news? https://www.footballfancast.com/wes...moyes-team-update-norwich-city-premier-league