Norwich Warm Up to Face Watford

The Canaries are fresh from beating Ipswich in the East Anglian Derby, but now face a different sort of challenge in Watford. Watford is known for being a direct and physical side, so Norwich may have to concentrate on standing up for the challenge. Of course Watford is under new management and may gradually change their style. However, for now a physical challenge is expected.

I thought it was an interesting appointment by Watford when they gave Brenden Rogers the reigns. It's the kind of appointment that can go either way. Giving a job to a man with no previous management experience is always very risky. When Norwich appointed Peter Grant they found out a good coach doesn't always make a good manager. For Rogers time will tell if he is cut out for management.

Norwich will be reluctant to make mass changes to a team that performed so well against Ipswich. John Kennedy is back from suspension, but may have to settle for a place on the bench. Likewise new signing Carl Cort is unlikely to be fit enough to start the game, but he is expected to play some part. There is also every chance he may be asked to play the lone striker role against Reading on Saturday. It remains to be seen what sort of part Cort is going play between now and the rest of the season. He could be used to partner Lita or to possibly be used to back him up. One thing is for sure, Roeder now has more options in attack.

As for the game on Wednesday, well I expect an unchanged team. Norwich should line up with Marshall, Otsemobor, Omozusi, Doherty, Bertrand, Bell, Clinghan, Pattison, Croft, Hoolahan and Lita. The bench will be filled with the likes of Kennedy, Nelson, Russell, Cort and Lupoli.

The match itself will be tight and I suspect an ugly game of football. However, I think Norwich will come out on top with a plucky 1-0 win thanks to a debut goal from Cort.