Norwich City vs Nottingham Forest (home) Saturday 11th February.

[morty]

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Norwich City vs Nottingham Forest

Championship Fixture

11th February 2017, Kick Off: 3pm

Carrow Road

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[morty]

I'll get the ball rolling, seeing as you're all shy

Naismith unavailable, and a doubt for Newcastle too, which is a shame. Maddison also out, I think they said before the last game he has a back injury.

Will Wes win his place back after Pritchards decent performance? Will we go with two up front again? Does Wildschutt start after having a bit of a stinker?

 

[Fenway Frank]

I expect to see Wes back in the team, the defence now picks its self. As for the rest, I think Cameron Jerome is going to be very unhappy around 1 o clock tomorrow 

 

[Din]

Yeah I imagine Hoolahan will come back in. Be interesting though as Jerome has been playing well but obviously Oliveira scored in the week, and presumably if Wes starts one of them will have to drop out. Would be harsh on Jerome should he be that man. Tettey's obviously suspended so Mulumbu will start next to Howson. Jarvis apparently could make his first appearance of the season.

It wouldn't surprise me if the team was:

Ruddy
Pinto Martin Klose Dijks
Pritchard Howson Mulumbu Hoolahan
Oliveira Jerome​

Think it's more likely though that Jacob or Wildschut will get the nod over Pritchard. Didn't watch or listen to the game in the week so don't know how well the 2 up front worked, would like to see it though. I think we'll win this, but not convincingly.

 

[dj161]

 

[GJP]

Well that was dull. 

 

[Fenway Frank]

Just a couple of tap ins really, Howson and Wes are nothing but goal hangers are they ?

 

[dj161]

unbelievable strikes today, but Howson's was world class

 

[Din]

Can't complain Nottingham Forest were really quite poor however can't take anything away from what, first half in particular, was a brilliant attacking performance. Pritchard, Pinto, Hoolahan and Howson all brilliant, with the latter two easily scoring 2 goal of the season contenders. Jonny's was probably better as it was first time and right in the top corner, whereas Wes' the keeper was off his line and the ball bounced kindly for him. 2 sensational goals though.

I was surprised and in all honesty bemused to see Josh Murphy start, I wasn't quite sure what he'd done to earn that spot however he certainly warranted his place. Like his brother his game is often very raw, however his youthful enthusiasm means he showcases what ability he does have very well. Was pleased with what I saw from Dijks, haven't been able to watch or even listen to the 2 games he's played so was interested to see how he did, and I was impressed. I actually thought Mulumbu did a decent job as well. His passing wasn't the best but in general I thought he did his job effectively, though I'm sure Tettey will come back in for Newcastle.

But yeah, great win, and it keeps us well and truly in the play-off fight (we're just 4 points off Leeds who are in 5th). Getting a result on Tuesday will be a different ask though.

 

[Canaryboy]

Wildschutt had a poor game at Wigan didn't he? So only right that whoever is behind him steals his place and gets a chance. That's how it should be and I think Alex Neil is being a lot more logical now in some of his decision making.

I think he's managing his squad much better. 

Resting Hoolahan for a midweek game, sticking two in form strikers up front and then dropping the striker who didn't score, a player losing his place after a poor performance (Wildschut),etc. 

There was no rhyme and reason to his personnel changes earlier in the season.

 

[GJP]

 sticking two in form strikers up front and then dropping the striker who didn't score,

Does Nelson now get dropped for not scoring today?

 

[Canaryboy]

Does Nelson now get dropped for not scoring today?

I should have been a bit clearer, what I meant was that he obviously wanted Nelson Oliviera back in the side but dropping Jerome in his form would have been ridiculous and demoralising to him, going two up top against Wigan settled the argument and gave him justification for choosing Nelson for this fixture.

Would be hard to have justified dropping Jerome for Wigan, he would have had a very unhappy player on his hands. 

Could of course debate whether going 2 up top away to Wigan was a wise decision in itself, who knows. 

I don't know who he picks for Newcastle, its a nice position to be in isn't it if we are having to choose between two in form strikers instead of two out of form strikers.

 

[morty]

 

[GJP]

Only problem is that Howson's goal has probably ruined all other goals. Forever.

 

[morty]

Only problem is that Howson's goal has probably ruined all other goals. Forever.

I have lost count of how many times I have watched it. If that was scored in the Premiership the whole world would be raving about it.

 

[Keckers]

I have to say that it is very nice to begin a new week following that game. I don't think the score flattered us either. I thought the ref's advantage play for Murphy's goal was some of the best reffing I've seen in that regard.

All 5 goals were fantastic in their own right. Howson for technique (which, as has been said, be all over world football media if a Rooney or similar had done that),Hoolahan for vision. Josh for a very fine finish, and Pritch had two excellent shots and showed great persistence. It was a joy to watch and one of those games that you feel privileged to have been there to see it.

I wasn't sure about the subs, but I am not going to complain after that.

I am still not a fan of AN but he has definitely earned the right to carry on for now after that very long and painful run of results.