It was a very positive opening day for both teams with newly promoted Norwich drawing against Wigan on their return to the top flight whilst Stoke put in a superb display to hold Chelsea at the Britannia Stadium.
Canaries boss Paul Lambert has worked wonders for the Canaries with two promotions in consecutive years and will take charge of the first Premier League game at Carrow Road in six seasons. They’ll be looking to emulate the rise of their opponents who have established themselves in the top flight and even made it into Europe.
On the injury front both sides don’t have any concerns despite the long-term absentee’s aren’t anywhere near the comeback trail just yet. One concern for the home side will be how they will deal with the Potters aerial assaults with Rory Delaps long throws the intimidating presence of Kenwyne Jones, Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth likely to be launching themselves at the ball. The Canaries do play some attractive football and keeping it on the deck will be one of Lamberts requirements if they are to take anything from this game.
Key Players
Zak Whitbread: The 6’2″ centre half will be tasked with keeping a close eye on Jones and strike partner Jon Walters and snuffing out any balls into the box.
Jon Walters: A constant thorn in any teams side Walters will be tasked with chasing down and pressurising the Norwich defence to make a mistake or clear the ball into touch for Delap to launch a throw into the box.
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