After enduring a torrid few seasons of fake Norwich fans at Old Trafford, finally it’s time to welcome the real deal, the Canaries have landed.
Manchester City host the Premier League newcomers in what promises to be an entertaining clash at Etihad Stadium.
Punching well above their weight in mid-table, the East Anglian’s have suprised many with some decent football and boundless determination.
Delia Smith’s side have been cooking up a storm but could well end up with egg on their faces if they continue with their all-out-attack at Eastlands.
Roberto Mancini has put together a side capable of exploiting gaps and punishing sides who have a go.
Although the Canaries should in no way be underestimated, this could well be a piece-of-cake.
Vital Quotes:
Roberto Mancini praised his opponents, stating: ‘I think this is one of the good things in England, that all the teams try to play and want to win.
I have watched Norwich and up until now they have done very well. We will need to do a good job.
We play every three days, Norwich have time to prepare for these games every week.’
Manchester City Team News:
Aside from a certain Argentine out playing golf, Roberto Mancini will have a full contingency of players at his disposal.
With games coming thick and fast, the Italian manager will no doubt be shuffling his pack. Will he play his cards right?
Player to watch: Edin Dzeko
It’s hard to know who Mancini will prefer to lead the line, but I think Dzeko may just edge out Balotelli after the young Italian was dismissed at Anfield last week.
Dzeko played in a sublime pass in the build up to Sergio Aguero’s goal against Arsenal in the midweek Carling Cup fixture and the Bosnian’s all round game was a good one.
It’s time for the Bosnian diamond to shine, and against Norwich, he could be blinding.
Norwich City Team News:
Paul Lambert will be unable to call upon the services of James Vaughan, while Elliott Ward, Ritchie de Laet and Dani Ayala are all major doubts with various injuries.
The good news is that Zak Whitbread may return to sure up the defence.
Player to watch: Grant Holt
It will suprise Norwich fans as much as anyone else to see Holt playing the way he is. The 30-year-old has been instrumental in getting Norwich where they are in the table today and he is easily their biggest attacking threat.
While City boast an impressive defence, the guile and experience of the Norwich striker may just ruffle a few feathers.
Match Facts & Stats
City have claimed victory in their last 11 home games and have taken 46 from a possible 48 points from their last 16 home games.
Match Prediction:
Predicting City games used to be harder than cracking the Enigma code, such was their unpredictable nature. These days, the only unpredictable thing is who will get on the score sheet and how many times will the back of the net bulge. What a wonderful time to be a City fan. Manchester City 4-1 Norwich City
Next Fixtures:
Champions League – Home to Bayern Munich on Wednesday 7th December @ 19:45