It has been a long two weeks of soul searching for the Geordie faithful, after an embarrassing 6-1 thrashing at the Etihad in Newcastle United’s last outing. The international break normally consists of both current and former players creating a false sense of optimism ahead of the next fixture, but this time it is very different.
Tim Krul’s season ending injury and the realisation that Rob Elliot will stand-in until January, at least, has put a damper on things. With many predicting doom and gloom for the Magpies now, the fans are beginning to lose faith in the new era and, failure to win either of the next two fixtures, McClaren’s position will be under threat.
Next up for Newcastle is, what would be considered, a winnable fixture against Alex Neil’s Norwich City. The newly promoted side currently sit in 13th.
Ahead of the game, we caught up with writer for our sister site Read Norwich, Jacob Sinkins, to discuss the game.
Would you take any Newcastle players at Carrow Road? If so, who and why?
Ayoze Perez could be a good addition to Norwich’s squad, as he is the kind of pace up front we currently lack. Twinned with someone like Mbokani or Jerome, he could terrorise defences.
If you could place one Norwich player from the past in your current team, who would it be and why?
I think that a player like Malky Mackay could be crucial to helping sure up or defense, something that is needed greatly!
Are there any rising stars at Norwich that we should be keeping an eye on?
Of course, Nathan Redmond is still only in his early twenties, and could get even better. However, looking even younger, Josh Murphy is one to watch for the future, he’s currently on loan with MK Dons, but the games he has played in the previous two season really showed he has class and could turn in to a top player.
Who is your most important player(s)?
John Ruddy is a key element of the Norwich team. He should arguably be in the England squad, and has saved Norwich on multiple occasions this season. In an attacking sense, Wes Hoolahan is one to be closely watched, as he has shown already this season that he is up there with the likes of Coutinho and David Silva.
What do you reckon will be the key battle on Sunday?
Bassong v Perez will be interesting. He has already been turned inside out by the likes of Jamie Vardy, and can’t deal with fast, clever strikers.
Expected line-up and score prediction.
Ruddy, Brady, Bassong, Bennett, Martin, Jarvis, Tettey, Howson, Redmond, Hoolahan, Mbokani.
2-0 to Norwich
