Norwich City vs Birmingham City - e-Football Preview

Article by Colin Rowe

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Norwich went top of the league again mid-week and this time it lasted for a day, rather than the couple of hours it did after City beat Ipswich.

While the 3-0 scoreline against Brentford might seem impressive, it was far from Norwich’s best display of the season with a physical and confident home side dominating large portions of the game before struggling to keep pace second half.

Norwich started both halves well, but during the first half especially took their foot off the gas, struggled to keep possession and simply were not getting the ball to the front men quickly enough.

If the goal-glut in the second half proved anything it was the Brentford keeper was clearly not comfortable or confident (the standards of his goal kicks demonstrated this) and as soon as shots were hit on target the net started bulging.

Criticisms aside, when you consider how many games Norwich have been playing recently, not to mention back-to-back away fixtures, it was a confident display which showcased the Canary’s attacking credentials and self-belief.

Lewis Grabban might not have scored for two games after netting five in five, but Cameron Jerome has stepped up to the plate in style with three in two, including the fabulous final goal at Griffin Park.

Jos Hooiveld too deserved a special round of applause and brought a steeliness to the back line with tight marking and hard tackling, sometimes too hard according to the Brentford boss who should remember how many times his defenders were not pulled up for grabbing onto yellow shirts before he starts moaning about not given penalties.

A special mention also has to go to the Norwich fans who turned out in force in West London, which was impressive given the distance and the timing, but then again City fans are always dedicated and give a good account of themselves.

This weekend Norwich welcome Birmingham City to Carrow Road in what promises to be another closely fought and physical game.

The Midlanders have not had a great start to the season, sitting just a couple of places above the relegation zone, but, as Neil Adams pointed out in the press conference, you need to stay on top of your game to succeed in the Championship, as the first half at Cardiff proved.

Not only are Norwich now seven games unbeaten in all competitions, but there has been more good news this week.

In-form Alex Tettey celebrated netting a goal against the Bees by signing a new two-year contract with a one year extension clause, while Adams revealed Jonny Howson and Gary Hooper will play in an under 21s game this week, paving their way for a return to the first team.

Russell Martin’s back injury, which kept him out of the mid-week fixture, is not serious and he could play this weekend, while Wes Hoolahan picked up a knock on the ankle and is a doubt.

It is clear Norwich and the Y’Army are enjoying life in the Championship and should go into this weekend’s game with a lot of confidence.

Adams will probably not make many tactical changes and seems to have a well though-out system in place, either that or some half time magic potion.

On this note, Norwich’s second half performances against Cardiff and Brentford reminded me of the early Premiership days under Mike Walker where Norwich similarly seemed to be below par in the first 45 minutes before blowing teams away in the second 45.

Perhaps Adams found Walker’s magic elixir in the back of a cupboard at Carrow Road and is putting it to good use again.

Whatever he is doing, let’s hope he keeps it up for the rest of the season.

Predicted Line-Up: Ruddy, Martin, Hooiveld, Turner, Olsson, Tettey, Johnson, Redmond, Lafferty, Grabban, Jerome.

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