Norwich City vs Aston Villa (away) Saturday 6th February.

[morty]

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Villa away tomorrow.​

 

[morty]

Sorry for basic format, working away in Africa and no time to fanny about downloading club crests!

Safe to say this is the epitome of a relegation six pointer?

 

[RhythmicTheory]

I dont know why, but despite all evidence pointing to the contrary, I feel positive about us going on a run of form, god knows we need it.  Starting with this one.

 

[dj161]

Massive massive game for both clubs, even bigger for Villa than it is for us, they'll go in to it knowing if they can't beat Norwich at home then they have no chance of staying up, so they'll be going all out for the win, we just have to stay disciplined and solid and make sure we take the chances that come our way, I feel the first goal in this one will be huge we just need to make sure that we get it

 

[RhythmicTheory]

I must admit the thought of both Bamfords and Naismiths movement is pretty exciting.

 

[It's Character Forming]

A real must-win game for them because a win takes them to 16 points and 7 points from safety, which with 13 games left would mean they are certainly not sunk.

For us, probably not a true must-win because a draw is not a disaster.  But a win would be a big boost for us and would guarantee we stay out of the drop zone.

I am not sure about our best team - and who may be unavailable due to illness ?  Tettey being suspended is a massive blow, one of our most important players.

I think I would go with Olsson/Bennett/Klose/Pinto at the back, Rudd in goal obviously for me.

Up front I would go with Jerome and Naismith just behind.  Brady on the left wing and Howson on the right.  Then in centre midfield I'd go with O'Neill and Mulumbu - unless something really is up with Mulumbu, in which case I'd go for Dorrans.  Problem with this formation is that we can't start with Wes.  But who does he replace ?  It's a realy headache.

 

[It's Character Forming]

Or go with Redmond on the right ?  If so he needs to understand he must give defensive cover when necessary !

 

[ZLF]

We have to get some creativity in the side - with naismith and mbokani we became v agricultual on tuesday and it really didnt work as neither were able to hold on to the ball or link play up - and the midfield 5 could not pass or keep the ball.  The absence of both Dorrans & Tettey does leave us short of defensive mid options.

Perhaps a 4321 xmas tree may help balance defending and creativity We wont see it but I would happily start.

                  Rudd

Pinto   Klose    Bassong    Brady

   O'Neil   Howson  Mulumbu

        Redmond          Wes

                 Naismith

Subs

Ruddy,  Martin, Olsson, VOO, Jarvis, Jerome, Bamford  

 

[ZLF]

Or go with Redmond on the right ?  If so he needs to understand he must give defensive cover when necessary !

We set up to provide the defensive cover on Tuesday - he cant provide any less that that can he?  Rose had a field day.

 

[It's Character Forming]

Damn, is Dorrans out too ? 

I forgot about Vadis - I'd go with him on the right wing to start.  Good physical presence but a genuine attacking threat too.

But I still think we need to find a way to get Wes into the starting lineup.  Maybe like you say, Naismith up front with Wes playing off him.

 

[hogesar]

It's one of those again where we have to play Hoolahan. We simply don't perform without him.

 

[Number 9]

I have to say I was surprised that AN told a presser that wes was saved for the villa game.

We have heard him before saying about Wes not playing too many times in a short period but surprised that he told everyone who's playing.

Villa surely would be quite happy to know who is playing in advance.

 

[Dubai Mark]

Even though surprised he did it,  in a way I'm happy AN divulged the fact Wes is playing......why? Because we have had a season where it's been us playing to stop the oposition,  maybe this is  a sign that this time its Villa who can worry about us....and then he doesn't start!

 

[GJP]

Unless it's mind games.

 

[Number 9]

Yeah could be double bluff

 

[lyb]

                     Rudd

     Pinto    Klose    Bassong     Brady

                O'Neil        Dorrans

      Jarvis     Naismith         Hoolahan

                          Mbokanu

 

[Canaryboy]

Sorry for basic format, working away in Africa and no time to fanny about downloading club crests!

Safe to say this is the epitome of a relegation six pointer?

Apologies, I meant to start this thread, the missus had an operation this week and I'm on cleaning + dog walking duties so completely forgot. 

 

[Din]

Big big big big big big game.

I'd go with:

Ruddy
Pinto Klose Bassong Olsson
Naismith Howson O'Neil Brady
Hoolahan
Mbokani​

Subs: Rudd, Martin, Mulumbu, Odjidja, Jarvis, Redmond, Bamford.

Whilst there Naismith is technically on the wing, I'd have him drifting inside like Redmond/Hoolahan do when they play out wide. But when we don't have the ball I'd have him take up that right wing position to offer defensive support to Pinto. Aside from him our only other options really in right midfield are Redmond, who is (usually) effective going forwards but is weak defensively, or Howson, who is better defensively but not really an attacking threat when he's on the wing. Plus with Tettey suspended I'd prefer to see Howson central. I would really like to see Hoolahan come back in for this one, and the only way to play him left wing or to move Naismith out right. Moving Wes to the left though would mean either one of Olsson/Brady having to sit out. Brady has arguably been our best player this season and is probably our best option on the left hand side, and Olsson had a great game against Spurs so deserves to keep his place.

As for predictions, I have no idea to be perfectly honest, so not even gonna bother.

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[Fenway Frank]

Apologies, I meant to start this thread, the missus had an operation this week and I'm on cleaning + dog walking duties so completely forgot. 

can't the cleaning wait until she comes home ? ?

 

[morty]

Apologies, I meant to start this thread, the missus had an operation this week and I'm on cleaning + dog walking duties so completely forgot. 

Ha no worries, its not a problem, I have just been a bit busy, and being on shifts I lose track of days!