Norwich City vs West Bromwich Albion Preview

Article by e-Norwich Correspondent Colin Rowe

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Thank goodness for another home game and not just any old home game, but a chance for Norwich to complete an all too rare double, following City’s 0-2 win at the Hawthorns last December.

It is not worth wasting time debating the flaws in last weekend’s disappointing display at Swansea, but at least Y’Army members were cheered by West Ham’s win over Sunderland on Monday night.

Norwich’s performance last weekend can best be summed up by the fact the City players reimbursed the fans who had travelled to South Wales…enough said.

What is clear is Norwich are going to have to rely on other teams dropping points to avoid relegation, although the situation may not be as bleak as some would make out.

Fulham, currently rooted to the bottom of the table on 24 points after 32 games, look doomed, despite the fact Norwich will probably gift them three points next weekend.

The West London team require at least 11 points from six games to stay up and although they face none of the high flyers, apart from Tottenham, on the way the Cottagers require wins, which have been in short supply this season.

Cardiff are two points better off than Fulham, but certainly have some tougher games to come, versus Southampton, Newcastle and Chelsea.

While nine points from the other three games is certainly not impossible, it is unlikely given the Bluebirds form.

An interesting fixture occurs at the end of April where Sunderland play Cardiff at the Stadium of Light and this could go a long way to determining the relegation places.

Following Monday night’s loss against the Iron’s, Sunderland now face four tough fixtures with Tottenham, Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea.

With the North East side currently on 25 points, and unlikely to add much to the total this month, the Black Cats may very well end up being the first team officially relegated.

West Bromwich similarly have tough matches after the Norwich game, with Tottenham, Man City and Arsenal included in their run in.

A Norwich win over the Baggies on Saturday will see the Canary’s reach 35 points.

To reach this total Fulham require 11 points from 6 games, or basically 2 points a match.

Cardiff need 9 points from 6, but with tough games to come this could be more like 9 from 3.

Sunderland have games in hand, but still need 10 points from 8 games to reach 35 and their fixture list for April looks pretty terrifying and they might end up needing 10 from 4.

West Brom and Crystal Palace look more secure, although given the current issues in the Baggies dressing room it is difficult to predict what could happen on the pitch.

It is very depressing having to look at the Premiership table in this manner, but this is the reality of the situation Norwich have found themselves in, but a win on Saturday and a draw at Craven Cottage the weekend after is probably going to be enough.

Who knows, we might even get points in our home games against Liverpool and Arsenal.

As for the West Brom game, which is supposed to be being previewed here, what is required is obvious…a win.

Without a victory Norwich really could be in trouble, but at Carrow Road the Yellows look strong, disciplined and not incapable of scoring.

A late decision will be made on Joseph Yobo, who missed the Swansea game with a calf injury, but Michael Turner will return to the squad to give extra options at the back along with Ryan Bennett who started at the back last weekend.

Leroy Fer remains side-lined and Elliott Bennett will be pushing for a return to the team soon.

Tactically, Norwich will adopt a similar style to the previous home game and know nothing less than a win will be acceptable.

Predicted Line-Up: Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Yobo/R Bennett, Olsson, Howson, Tettey, Snodgrass, Redmond, Hoolahan, van Wolfswinkel

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