Norwich Preview

Last updated : 20 February 2003 By @blades_mad1889

United played Reading on Tuesday night at Bramall Lane and the score was not what Neil Warnock planned as they lost 3-1. With just five minutes gone United had took the lead, Michael Brown's Beckham like free-kick curled straight into top left hand corner from 22-yards out.

However Nicky Forster equalised on 35th minute and after half-time Adie Williams put the Royals in front on 74th minute while Forster added a third with nine minutes left.

Missing from the Blades line up on Tuesday was Zimbabwean International Peter Ndlovu who sustained a slight knock in our 2-0 victory over Walsall in the FA Cup, but we believe that right-winger Marcel Cas who made his debut v Royals may start against the Canaries if Ndlovu is not 100% fit.

During that defeat to Reading, striker Dean Windass was forced to come off in the first half due to injury but we are unsure on how serious it is. Also missing from this Saturday's clash is defender Shaun Murphy and striker Steve Kabba who are both suspended for one game.

Possible Starting 11 (4-4-2): Paddy Kenny (GK), Phil Jagielka (RB), Richard Eghill (CB), Robert Page (CB), Wayne Quinn (LB), Marcel Cas (RM), Stuart McCall (CM), Michael Brown (CM), Michael Tonge (LM), Tommy Mooney (RF), Wayne Allison (LF).

The Canaries where too involved in the FA Cup last Saturday, though they had the tough task of facing Southampton at The Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium. Norwich were putting up a brave fight

against the Saints and almost scored when they hit the post in second half. But Southampton took the lead through Andreas Svensson on 71st minute and then made it 2-0 three minutes later through Jo Tessem to set up a home tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

On the Canaries injury list is ex-Blade Alex Notman and Neil Emblem but they have no players missing through suspension. David Healy and Keith Briggs missed the Saints clash through being cup-tied but will be able to play while Mark Rivers and Darren Kenton could start after returning from injury.

Possible Starting 11 (4-4-2): Robert Green (GK), Steen Nedergaard (RB), Craig Fleming (CB), Malky Mackay (CB), Adam Drury (LB), Darel Russell (RM), Phil Mulryne (CM), Gary Holt (CM), Paul McViegh (LM), Iwan Roberts (RF), David Healy (LF).

City's last visit to Bramall Lane was last season in September where the Blades won 2-1. Carl Asaba and Partick Suffo scored in the last five minutes of the first half to give United a 2-0 lead but Norwich halved the score line as Steen Nedergaard struck in a last minute free-kick. This incidentally was Wilko De Vogt and Michael Tonge's first team debut, though Carl Asaba was sent off in the second half.

We would like to thank City supporters Graham Stark (owner of www.mightynorwich.co.uk) and Richard Willner.

Blades v Canaries Record (All Competitions):
Home P24 W13 D6 L5 F37 A24
Away P26 W5 D9 L12 F28 A47
Total P50 W18 D15 L17 F65 A66

Betting Odds (Bet365):
Blades Win: 4/5 Draw: 9/4 Canaries Win: 3/1

One-to-Watch: David Healy
Weak Link:
Malky Mackay
Prediction:
Sheffield United 1-0 Norwich City