Norwich Prepare for Relegation Clash

Norwich City and Nottingham Forest are two massive clubs, but they both find themselves in trouble at the bottom of the table. Both sides will want to go all out for the win as they look to get their seasons up and running. The game has the added spice of being live on Sky.

Former Norwich City striker Robert Earnshaw is expected to be fit for Forest and will be up for this one. For Norwich Sammy Clinghan, who signed from Forest in the summer should be fit. That is despite picking up a knock playing for Northern Ireland in midweek.

Reports coming out of both clubs suggest that they have both played quite well, but haven't been getting the breaks their general play deserves. The reality is the Championship is a league with a fair amount of ugly football and it's the teams that find a way to win consistently that generally benefit. Although both Forest and Norwich can play quality football they may not have yet found a way of winning ugly. Most teams who have been successful in the Championship usually have more than one way to play and win.

Forest is likely to start with Earnshaw against his former club providing he is considered fit enough. Sammy Clinghan can also expect to start if available. The other team selections will depend a lot on how each club views the game. I would expect that both teams will be looking to win, so two 4-4-2 formations are expected. Of course there is every possibility that Forest may feel it's better not to lose the game by going with a five man midfield. Then if the game is close throw on the second striker late on. That idea might be a little negative for a home game, but it remains an option.

There is little doubt that Roeder will go with a 4-4-2 and an attacking line-up. Therefore I would think that Croft will be recalled on the right with the in form Bell continuing on the left. Up front Sibierski is expected to be recalled to partner Lita, but Cureton and Lupoli will also be in contention. Meanwhile a young Norwich reserve side beat the much talked about Arsenal side 4-2, which could put some players in contention. Luke Daley scored a hat trick and has an outside chance of making the bench. It promises to be an interesting and hopefully exciting game.