Norwich Tamed by the Shrews

Article by Colin Rowe

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Not that it will have caused many sleepless nights in Norwich, but the Canary’s were unceremoniously knocked out of the League Cup mid-week thanks to a lack-lustre display against League 2 side Shrewsbury.

In City’s defence, the squad was made-up almost entirely of youth team players and first-teamers returning from injury, but the fact of the matter is Norwich were still very poor.

What became clear post-game was the Y’Army was not so disappointed about the cup exit, but were frustrated the youth players did not give a better account of the themselves.

Since the FA Youth Cup win in 2012/13 the fans have been eagerly awaiting the breakthrough of players like Harry Toffolo, Jamar Loza, Kyle McFadden and the Murphy twins, but judging by Tuesday nights showing we might be forced to wait a while longer.

Unfortunately, this was the chance for these players to have a go and prove they have what it takes to play a part in the first team this season, but none really turned up.

This weekend see the Yellows head north for an encounter with Blackpool, which unfortunately means we will be wearing what appears to be our unlucky away kit, not that we believe in these kind of superstitions.

The good news is there are no injury worries at Carrow Road, with Gary Hooper and Jonny Howson featuring against Shrewsbury, although it is very unlikely they will feature prominently against the Tangerines, but they might be on the bench.

Blackpool are something of a team in disarray at the moment having gone into the season with a threadbare squad and picking up just two points in eight league games, just one point better off than Fulham.

Norwich will be aiming to keep this seasons good away form going, with a win at Blackpool making it four wins in a row on their travels, following the victories over Ipswich, Cardiff and Brentford.

What is most important, however, is Norwich not having to come from behind in the second half to salvage something.

It is at yet unclear what exactly the problem is in defence and hopefully it is just a case of the new players needing to build a relationship at the back, but City simply cannot afford to put themselves in these difficult positions time and time again.

Blackpool have conceded ten goals this season, scoring just three, so there will be opportunities for Norwich to get some goals, so it will certainly come down to how tight things can be kept at the back.

As Neil Adams has repeatedly said in pre and post-game press conferences, you need to concentrate to succeed in the Championship due to the generally high level of football, the physicality of the league and the length of the season and Norwich need to start showing this consistency credentials.

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

On the Ball City!

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