MansionBet Match Preview: Norwich City (A)

In partnership with MansionBet, here’s a preview ahead of our next fixture...

City have enjoyed a winning start in 2021 after back-to-back victories over Portsmouth in the Emirates FA Cup and a first win over Preston North End for 10 years at the weekend.

City were largely in control against the Lilywhites, limiting Preston to very little and another goal for Famara Diédhiou, an impressive return from Kasey Palmer and a first league goal for Zak Vyner were just some of the headlines from a good day out in BS3.

A trip to Carrow Road against an in-form Norwich side is their reward, and with confidence high there might be no better time to face Daniel Farke’s side. It has actually been 11 years since City last beat the Canaries, who are currently flying high at the top of the Championship, so can Dean Holden’s men put an end to the barren run after lifting the Preston curse on Saturday?

Norwich had won once in their first five games in all competitions but they have hit the ground running since, losing only twice since start of December.

And unbeaten in their last four, including the Emirates FA Cup, they held on to beat 10-man Cardiff City on Saturday after former Robin Marlon Pack was sent off for the Bluebirds.

There are goals in this Norwich side, with Teemu Pukki - though ruled out of this fixture through injury - and Emiliano Buendia returning 18 of the team's 35 goals in all competitions. Buendia is also one of their creative talents with six assists to his name. In fact, the pair proved deadly in the reverse fixture when Norwich ran out 3-1 winners in BS3. The Robins were susceptible to the direct ball on that occasion and will look to have learned those lessons.

As for the Robins. this is a first trip to Carrow Road since February 2019. It was an afternoon which ended in a 3-2 defeat with Norwich ultimately going on to win promotion to the top flight that season, but it was Callum O’Dowda’s wonderful solo goal which stood out that afternoon.

Supporters are reminded that the match livestream will only available on Robins TV to Season Card holders, due to Sky Sports' broadcast rights.

MATCH DETAILS 

Where: Carrow Road
When: Wednesday, January 20th, 6pm KO
Competition: Sky Bet Championship

Referee: James Linington
Assistants: Lee Venamore and Robert Hyde
Fourth official: Charles Breakspear