Plymouth V Norwich: Match Preview

Norwich will return from the international break in buoyant mood after their best performance of the season in the 1-1 draw against Birmingham. The Norwich squad was also boosted by two deadline day transfer captures in the shape of Jonathan Grounds and Antoine Sibierski. Grounds is a straight swap for Jason Shackell and Sibierski is the target man Norwich has been searching for. Of course the Norwich squad can still be extended via the loan window and with unattached players. The rumours surrounding Helguson and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink refuse to go away.

Norwich has been boosted with the news that they can in effect use 7 of the 8 loan signings because the international loan signings don't count towards the loan quotas. In effect John Kennedy and Arturo Lupoli are on short term deals rather than loans. All of this makes team selection a lot easier and will allow Roeder to pick the best team for the game. This is also the game that Norwich fans may get their first chance to see David Bell.

I wouldn't look to change the back five with all playing well against Birmingham. The biggest decision at the back will come between Ostsembor and Omozusi. That said Adam Drury hasn't yet played this season and new signing Jonathan Grounds will not settle for a place on the bench. One thing is for sure and that is there are plenty of options. The bigger decisions will come in midfield with Hoolahan having quite a quiet game against Birmingham, but he is expected to keep his place. I think Roeder will go for a gamble and throw David Bell into the action on the right and settle for Russell and Clighan in the centre of midfield. This of course means that the club captain Mark Fotheringham will have to accept a place on the bench. The strike force will surely consist of Lupoli and Sibierski.

My Team

Marshall

Bertrand Stefanovic Kennedy Ostsembor

Hoolahan Clinghan Russell Bell

Sibierski Lupoli

Subs

Nelson (GK)

Grounds

Fotheringham

Croft

Cureton

The game promises to be tough, but it is a game Norwich should win with something to spare. I expect Norwich to up their performance and win the game by two clear goals. Roeder has done an excellent job of putting together a strong squad and I can see us starting to put together a run of wins. Also having the target man up front does now mean we have that other option.