Norwich City Preview (H)
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: Norwich City
Recently relegated Norwich City come to Huddersfield as one of the favourites for promotion, but can The Terriers spring an early-season surprise? Norwich fan podcast Canary Cast previews the game.
Waking up. Going about your day. Checking the #terrierinbound hashtag. Registering your game code. Seeing the line-up. Questioning it. Checking The Examiner’s feed. Logging into iFollow. Log in not working. Trying it in Chrome. In Firefox. On your phone. Finally logging in. Seeing the Snoop Dogg ad. Hearing Oggy. Watching the kickoff. Complaining about the referee. Shouting at the linesman. Shaking your head at the players. Seeing the net ripple. Moaning on Twitter. Listening to the post-match comments. Trying to forget about the game.
Yes, it’s a new season and a new coach. Carlos Corberan takes charge of his first Championship game this Saturday just 53 days after Town’s last league match against Millwall where they lost 4-1.
It’s an understatement to say that a lot has changed in those 53 days but with a disappointing 2019/20 campaign behind them, it’s an opportunity for Town to start fresh and give the fans something cheer about from their sofas in another COVID hit season. The first task at hand is not an easy one, with recent Premier League side Norwich City the opening league game in the new Corberan era.
Will we see a Danny Ward masterclass or will it be another long season in store? And He Takes That Chance spoke to Jacob from Norwich City fan podcast, Canary Cast to hear what Huddersfield can expect from The Canaries.
Last time these two sides played on 5th April 2017, Huddersfield won 3-0. Photo source: Norwich City
How would you sum up last season in the Premier League? Do you think relegation could have a negative effect on the club for the season ahead?
We started last season with a real positivity, scoring three and beating the likes of Newcastle and Manchester City at home. Injuries then hit our squad and we didn’t have all four of our centre backs at any stage last season, rarely even having 3 to pick from! With the injuries came a few poor performances but before lockdown, we beat Leicester City at home and there was a belief that the great escape could be on.
When football returned we were nothing short of abysmal, summed up by the fact we were awarded more red cards than goals for in the final nine games of the season. We have currently lost 12 games in a row in all competitions and turning around a losing mentality to a winning one is Daniel Farke’s biggest task this season, if he can do that we have a chance.
What are your general expectations for the season?
Promotion. We’ve had a number of months to plan for relegation and at the current time of writing, we have a stronger squad than the one we had in the Premier League. If Emi Buendia stays I believe we will definitely be up there as he is far too good for this level. The only thoughts I have in the back of my mind is both Daniel Farke and Stuart Webber (who you will know well) have never had to go into a season with such expectation. One thing I know for sure with Norwich City is it will never be boring!
Norwich have a history of being a yo-yo team between the Premier League and Championship, which do you prefer as a fan and do you think the gap in quality between the leagues is greater than ever?
Unfortunately, I think this will always be the case. We had an opportunity six years ago to establish ourselves in the Premier League after surviving for two seasons in a row but we failed to take that chance. There is a massive gap between the Championship and Premier League now and if you don’t have £25-£30 million to spend on your deficiencies or to make your squad stronger as a whole most teams will struggle.
Emi Buendia could light up the Championship if he stays, according to Jacob from Canary Cast. Photo source: Norwich City
You’ve done a lot of transfer business since your relegation, have you been impressed with your business so far? Any players you think will do well?
We’ve strengthened in every outfield position which is really exciting. I would’ve liked a backup keeper for Tim Krul because if he was to get injured I would start to worry. Ben Gibson is the biggest signing for me. We’ve been calling for a centre back since before we started the Premier League campaign and to get somebody of his experience and quality is potentially very exciting, it will just be interesting to see how quickly he can get back up to his highest level after almost not playing for two years.
Which player from your current squad do you think will be one to watch this season?
If he stays, Emi Buendia without a doubt. For me, he is the best player in the Championship and far too good for this level. All of us Norwich fans are praying each day for the last month of the window that he stays!
How impressed have you been with Stuart Webber as your Sporting Director since he joined you from Huddersfield?
He’s been brilliant and for the mess he came into when he first joined promotion was a miracle. This season will be really interesting to see what he does under pressure and with him leaving after next season it could well define his legacy at our club!
Sporting Director Stuart Webber has impressed since joining from Huddersfield. Photo source: Norwich City
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
It’s difficult to say with the huge squad we have currently. We will want to have as much possession as we can but with a few of the new lads it’s a case of our fans being in the unknown as much as you guys!
What are Norwich’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
Set pieces and physicality without a doubt. We conceded the most goals from corners last season as we play a zonal marking system which just doesn’t work. We have signed a few taller and physical players simply to plug that this season but being up in Norwich’s faces consistently and making it an ugly game is the best way to defeat us.
What have you made of Huddersfield Town in the last few seasons?
It was great to see you guys go up and be a unique name in the Premier League and was even better to see you stay up. I was very surprised to see you sack Danny Cowley at the end of last season but from an opposition fans perspective, I think your guys are right up there!
What’s your score prediction for the game?
Before talking to you guys on our podcast I would’ve said 1-1 but with the fact you look to have quite a few youngsters playing and not being fully used to your new Head Coach’s methods, I’m going to say 3-1 Norwich.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Norwich? Let us know in the comments!
