Norwich Pre-Match Thread

[dandannieldanok]

Alnwick

Kisnorbo N'Gotty McAuley

Bori Oakley Clemence Zsolt

Hume Howard Hayles

I think that defence would be taken to pieces personally, no pace, no instinct on the left-hand side if you get me. Plus Ollie won't change formation.

[Head Honcho]

There for the taking now on Saturday

[Joe.]

There's no need to change the successful 4-4-2 formation.

It's got to be exactly the same team as Saturday for me with the possibility of maybe switching Stearman and Chambers. But to be fair he probably deserves to keep his place.

I'm confident that Ollie won't change anything and I hope he doesn't.

[RowlattsFox]

Kisnorbo is suspended so N'Gotty in for him, apart from that the team should be the same.

[Thracian]

Alnwick

Kisnorbo N'Gotty McAuley

Bori Oakley Clemence Zsolt

Hume Howard Hayles

If Norwich played two men out on the touchlines spreading the back line as wide as possible then missed out midfield and had two fast men up front they would rip us apart.

I saw quite enough of McAuley trying to chase a lost cause against Hull, thanks.

Bori and Laczko might be willing to work back but don't ever make the mistake of thinking they can replace proper full-backs or that it's fair to ask them to try.

In a normal 4-4-2, assuming Oakley and Clemence do their jobs, I don't see they'll be enough work for three centre-backs.

Even if Norwich commit strongly to attack I doubt they'll be rash enough to leave our wingers the freedom of the park with the likes of Howard waiting to benefit.

Besides, Holloway would be risking a lot to gain nothing by changing a system that worked so well against Coventry. And why on Earth would he wish to adjust something that worked so impressively?

No, he needs to let the players keep getting used to one another and to use the cover whenever he gets the chance so they too cog in seamlessly before long. If, in time, weaknesses show, then he can deal with them but why assume problems that might not exist.

People suggest we might have an adverse reaction after Saturday but I was amazed the team gelled so quickly and they could just as easily do just as well at Norwich.

Before the changes I could see reason to be concerned about everyone in this League.

Now, while I would always respect the opposition, I wouldn't see any reason to fear or compromise ourselves for anyone.

It wasn't just the win, there was the first sniff of attitude about the side, of already growing confidence as reflected in that great passing sequence we had.

Of course we'll have off days. But I no longer think we're a hit or miss side. Oakley's been a standard setter all his life, Howard can trouble anyone and the Hungarians can play and want to play, make no mistake about that.

The qualities they showed Saturday don't disappear overnight or because of a trip 100 miles into the wilderness. Their contribution Saturday wasn't all about fancy step overs and clever touches. They took up good positions, moved the ball quickly and appropriately and did so many simple things well.

Previous wingers didn't do that because they couldn't for various reasons. Four-four-two it will be. You can bet on it.

[Calum McDermott]

If Norwich played two men out on the touchlines spreading the back line as wide as possible then missed out midfield and had two fast men up front they would rip us apart.

I saw quite enough of McAuley trying to chase a lost cause against Hull, thanks.

Bori and Laczko might be willing to work back but don't ever make the mistake of thinking they can replace proper full-backs or that it's fair to ask them to try.

In a normal 4-4-2, assuming Oakley and Clemence do their jobs, I don't see they'll be enough work for three centre-backs.

Even if Norwich commit strongly to attack I doubt they'll be rash enough to leave our wingers the freedom of the park with the likes of Howard waiting to benefit.

Besides, Holloway would be risking a lot to gain nothing by changing a system that worked so well against Coventry. And why on Earth would he wish to adjust something that worked so impressively?

No, he needs to let the players keep getting used to one another and to use the cover whenever he gets the chance so they too cog in seamlessly before long. If, in time, weaknesses show, then he can deal with them but why assume problems that might not exist.

People suggest we might have an adverse reaction after Saturday but I was amazed the team gelled so quickly and they could just as easily do just as well at Norwich.

Before the changes I could see reason to be concerned about everyone in this League.

Now, while I would always respect the opposition, I wouldn't see any reason to fear or compromise ourselves for anyone.

It wasn't just the win, there was the first sniff of attitude about the side, of already growing confidence as reflected in that great passing sequence we had.

Of course we'll have off days. But I no longer think we're a hit or miss side. Oakley's been a standard setter all his life, Howard can trouble anyone and the Hungarians can play and want to play, make no mistake about that.

The qualities they showed Saturday don't disappear overnight or because of a trip 100 miles into the wilderness. Their contribution Saturday wasn't all about fancy step overs and clever touches. They took up good positions, moved the ball quickly and appropriately and did so many simply things well.

Previous wingers didn't do that because they couldn't for various reasons. Four-four-two it will be. You can bet on it.

oooooooh very positive thrac

[Thracian]

oooooooh very positive thrac

I am feeling positive.

For season's now I've pleaded for Leicester to return to being the football-playing club they used to be.

People on here must have thought there was no pleasing me as I've lambasted one player after another and one manager after another. But not one of those players or managers have proved me mistaken, except perhaps Kisnorbo.

But grumbling isn't really my nature. In my own sporting days I hardly ever changed my players and certainly never had case to complain about them or fall out with them.

Now there are real signs that we have a positive manager who wants to play proper football and who, with his sidekick Gary Penrice, seems able to tell a good player from one who is not so good or, in some cases diabolical.

If there's two things I like about Holloway as well they are enthusiasm and a sense of humour. Both to me are vital to good management. He'll have crises like everyone else but with those qualities he'll have people around him who will try to get him through them instead of kicking him in the bollocks.

I can see us having a respectable team again - not a cautious team or apologists. A team which will play a game that people love to watch but in a competitive manner.

I can see an environment where our best young footballers can at last be properly guided through the last stages of their apprenticeship by people they can look up to and who can set them the right example.

It will doubtless be tougher in some ways for those youngsters. Standards will be higher and a lower percentage will win through. But those that do have the character and good fortune will provide the impetus for others coming later.

To me this new year feels like the end of a period of mourning.

I doubt I'll feel anything like the need to post on here so much. I cannot see they'll be much reason to criticise individuals overmuch because there is a big difference between people who have a bad game and people who should never have been allowed near our shirt - people I genuinely wouldn't have wanted in my non-League side.

Suddenly I am simply looking forward to watching the games again. To watching quality footballers looking as if they're enjoying themselves and to doing my little bit to cheering our young apprentices on their way through to the fulfillment of their ambitions.

I am looking forward to feeling the buzz of anticipation I first felt with my late grandfather 50 years ago when he walked me over the railway bridge on Upperton Road towards the glittering footballing cathedral that was Filbert Street.

It is that anticipation that has been missing these four years - that sense that you were going to see something special.

Now I feel the lights are shining again. Positive isn't the half. I'm bloody thrilled about it. :scarf:

[Candidcamera]

The sun seems to have set on the last 4 years and the sun is rising on a new era. Especially on one where a team plays football to achieve its standards.

Ian Holloway and Milan have done well.

[Manwell Pablo]

There for the taking now on Saturday

Turned over by Bury oh dear

I'd say as far as away games go this is about as winnable as they get, have to play well again obviously but I'm feeling optomistic for once.

EDIT: We're going to lose and all come crashing back down to earth aren't we?

[James.]

Turned over by Bury oh dear

I'd say as far as away games go this is about as winnable as they get, have to play well again obviously but I'm feeling optomistic for once.

EDIT: We're going to lose and all come crashing back down to earth aren't we?

If we do lose and (heaven forbid) Laczko has a bad game then this place will be f**king unbearable.

I think we should have a sub forum called Knee-Jerk where people can a) vent their disgust and cry about relegation after a defeat and b) roger the man of the match and wank over play-offs after a win.

[teblin]

I'm hoping for a win, a draw at least.

If we lose it will feel like another false dawn.

[Fez of Mahrez]

I'm never confident of a victory, it's something that's been ingrained in me ever since we last got promoted. I don't think you can ever be confident of an away victory in particular, especially against a team that haven't lost in nine league games. I don't think their Cup defeat will count for much. As long as we see the same sort of approach that paid off against Coventry, I won't mind the result too much, it'll just be a pleasure to see us at least going out in a positive frame of mind. It will be a big test of our new wingers because they will have more defending to do this Saturday.

One thing I will say is that you could hardly ask for more reliable central midfielders in this division than Clemence and Oakley. They should give us the foothold we need in midfield which was so lacking in the days of Williams and Hughes et al. It's just a really, really good team on paper and should do well. Until it happens on a regular basis I will continue to be sceptical but I haven't looked forward to an away game for football reasons for a long time, Bristol City apart we could be talking years.

[Ric Flair]

Another big game for us on Saturday. The feel good factor of Saturday needs to now be followed up with some consistent performances and plenty of points on the board. We are still very much in the shit sitting in 19th space only 4 points off the bottom. Norwich are only a place and a point above us, we need their scalp to increase our belief about really making a move up the table in this 2nd half of the season.

I really do believe we now have one of the best central midfield partnerships in the league and we look like we have got a winger in Laczko, who is absolutely frearless and will hurt teams with ease. Couple that with again, one of the best centre forwards in Steve Howard and we now have players who will destroy teams if we allow them to by playing the right sort of football.

I'm also really looking forward to seeing Iain Hume flourish alongside a striker who can do him justice. I've never felt that Hume has had a partner who can allow him to play to his best ability, other than Fryatt in the 05/06 season. Before and since then he's played alongside strikers who have either been crap or off form and that's led to Hume being dragged in to the mire and trying to go it alone, which has often been detrimental to the team.

I'd keep the team for Saturday the same as Coventry, except for N'Gotty in for Kisnorbo whose banned. Isiah Osbourne if he ever signs will have to make do with a place on the bench, he might be needed for centre half if anything happens to Bruno or McAuley.

Come on you Blue Boys.

Laczko Fookin Mental, La La La La..... Oooh!!!

[Blue Bob]

Turned over by Bury, I wonder if that works in our favour or against us? Is this result because Norwich are sh*t or will they get a kick up the backside and play out of their skins against us?

[Ric Flair]

Turned over by Bury, I wonder if that works in our favour or against us? Is this result because Norwich are sh*t or will they get a kick up the backside and play out of their skins against us?

Norwich fans get on their players backs at home very easily, even worse than we do. So an early goal there and a spell where we maintain pressure and they could buckle big time.

[mancunianfox]

Laczko Fookin Mental, La La La La..... Oooh!!!

Excellent

Norwich fans get on their players backs at home very easily, even worse than we do. So an early goal there and a spell where we maintain pressure and they could buckle big time.

We rarely seem to do well at Carrow Road but Norwich are not a great side by any means even though they have been on a good run in the league. Your right about their home fans turning against the team and that could benefit us.

[Fez of Mahrez]

Laczko Fookin Mental, La La La La..... Oooh!!!

That's a liquid chant. We've got to give that a go. Absolutely fantastic.

[Bryn]

I think even if we play well a win will be a tall order. I think we as fans should be looking for the performance here. But I'm more confident that the team and manager will be looking for the win than ever before, which is good enough for me.

[Ric Flair]

I think even if we play well a win will be a tall order. I think we as fans should be looking for the performance here. But I'm more confident that the team and manager will be looking for the win than ever before, which is good enough for me.

The thing is Burnham, we need to string a few wins together to get a momentum going. We've seen it time and time before where we get a win and confidence appears to be high. We then have a further couple of games where we play fairly well and perhaps draw or something and then it peeters (spelling) out. Just like after the Brizzle away win, we played excellently against Cardiff but only got a point, but confidence was high and we thought it was the start of an era under Ollie.

Ok, so a point or even a defeat would not be the end of the world on Saturday, if we've played quite solidly. But it's all about really building something here and going on a winning streak.

[Bryn]

The thing is Burnham, we need to string a few wins together to get a momentum going. We've seen it time and time before where we get a win and confidence appears to be high. We then have a further couple of games where we play fairly well and perhaps draw or something and then it peeters (spelling) out. Just like after the Brizzle away win, we played excellently against Cardiff but only got a point, but confidence was high and we thought it was the start of an era under Ollie.

Ok, so a point or even a defeat would not be the end of the world on Saturday, if we've played quite solidly. But it's all about really building something here and going on a winning streak.

Quite agree, and I reckon that's on Ollie's mind as well. I just don't want the whole world to come crashing down if we fail to win.

[Ric Flair]

Quite agree, and I reckon that's on Ollie's mind as well. I just don't want the whole world to come crashing down if we fail to win.

That's a damn good point, let's just hope we don't have to cross that bridge for quite some time.

[morris1234]

Norwich fans get on their players backs at home very easily, even worse than we do. So an early goal there and a spell where we maintain pressure and they could buckle big time.

yeah i agree, they might be a bit more physical (especially at home ) but hopefully we will get some good crosses into howard and lets take our chances. for once

we cannot get caried away and play just like we did against cov, sometimes too casual at the back and were guilty of ball watching sometimes but yes we were good against cov but they were SHOCKING, i think norwich will be a good game as it will really put our new look side to the test! 'MON U BLUES!

[mancunianfox]

That's a liquid chant. We've got to give that a go. Absolutely fantastic.

Best one I've seen so far as well....it has to catch on

[maddog]

I would be embarassed to be a Leicester fan if we don't beat Norwich after they lost to Bury!

I rekon we could win this 3-0 or better if we can play as well as Cov game.

Il go for 4-1 Leicester :D

[Tommy G]

I would be embarassed to be a Leicester fan if we don't beat Norwich after they lost to Bury!

I rekon we could win this 3-0 or better if we can play as well as Cov game.

Il go for 4-1 Leicester :D

I would be happy with a 1-0 to be honest. I dont think going to Norwich and turning them over will happen realistically. There is much expectation after a one off wonder perforamnce against cov...and rightly so.

i will be fooked off if we go there and loose 1-0 or draw 0-0, it will feel as though we have gone back to square one