Hello ReadCrystalPalace fans, I’m Alan Cole coming over from ReadNorwich. I am sure you guys down in south London are just as excited for the opening game of the season as we are in Norwich. I’m here to give you guys an inside look at how the Canaries might approach this game.
What To Expect From Norwich:
It’s always tough to figure out what to expect from a team on the opening game of the season, especially a newly promoted team. I still think that there are a few things to expect from us though.
I think our strongest area would be our midfield. With players who are known for being able to strike screamers from outside the box like Bradley Johnson and Jonny Howson, it is a force to be reckoned with. Nathan Redmond provides us with our most pace filled threat down the right hand side, and Robbie Brady could make his competitive debut down the left wing.
Where we are weak though is at the back, especially at fullback. Russell Martin should be the right back, but he has been made into a makeshift center back. Steven Whittaker is our right back now. Don’t get me wrong, he improved over the second half of last season under Alex Neil. He is still not of Premier League quality, and I fear the worst for Saturday. On the left Martin Olsson is injured, so left back is up for grabs. Some say that Robbie Brady will move back to that position. Others have youth academy product Harry Toffolo starting. Either way, you guys have a huge advantage down the flanks.
Key Player: Nathan Redmond
With all of the pace that you guys have in your team, Redmond will be vital. He is going to have to cover for the right back massively. Aside from the fact that he is going to help cover our defense, his role going forward is even more important. With the possibility of Robbie Brady being played at left back, he is our only source of pace in the midfield. He is going to have to have a very well rounded game in order for us to have a chance of winning. Keep an eye on Bradley Johnson as well though, you guys will know all about him from his goal in our last meeting on New Year’s Day 2014.
Predicted Lineup: Well I find it extremely tough to predict our exact lineup in our first game of the season, but I gave it a go. Here is my best guess at the team that will line up against the Eagles on Saturday.
John Ruddy; Steven Whittaker, Russel Martin, Sebastian Bassong, Robbie Brady; Alexander Tettey, Jonny Howson; Nathan Redmond, Wes Hoolahan, Bradley Johnson; Cameron Jerome
I think that Ruddy will be in goal, and the backline that I described earlier should be in the team. The formation is anybody’s guess, but a 4-2-3-1 is what I would play. Bradley Johnson is not a natural left midfielder, but played there last season. Robbie Brady will take that spot during the season with Johnson moving into a more central role, but with Brady being forced to play left back this is what we are condemned to. Hoolahan will be the main creative spark in the middle, with Redmond providing the pace. I also think that former Crystal Palace man Cameron Jerome will start up top.
Prediction: I’m predicting a 2-1 Norwich win. I think that your pace will be a huge problem, but our squad can match yours in most other areas. We are at home, and I think we will squeak over the line. I could also definitely see a 1-1 draw though.
That’s it from East Anglia! There is an inside look at Norwich City ahead of the game. Good luck to Crystal Palace this season, I think you will do very well and push for Europe. If any of you guys are making the journey up to Carrow Road, I hope you have a safe journey and enjoy all that the great city of Norwich has to offer. That being said, Come on you Yellows!!
