The Magpies face the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Canaries-c38723 right after their European conquests and will have to tread carefully in order to avoid injuries.
Newcastle United:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019 on Sunday in a closely contested affair. Attack seems no problem for Tyneside giants at the moment, but their defence is something which they will need
to improve upon, otherwise they might ship in unnecessary goals.
Norwich City:
Following a disaster on opening day, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Houghton will be hoping that he can have a decent return to his former stomping ground after slowly building momentum at Carrow Road.
Draws in the Premier League and a win in the Capital One Cup has restored parity at the helm, although it remains to be see whether they can match the strong Newcastle line-up.
Team News:
Newcastle United:
While their opening few games has witnessed the brilliant form the side showcased last term, the major reason behind their shortcomings has been the long injury list that the coaching staff has had to contend with.
Brothers Samuel and Shola Ameobi are both out with identical hamstring injuries alongside skipper Coloccini, while Marko Vuckic and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193 Simpson are suffering from a groin strain and hamstring problem respectively.
However, there is some positive news on the horizon as the likes of Tim Krul, James Perch and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cheick-Tioté-c8873 have returned and could be in contention for a role in the Europa League game in order to test their fitness levels.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yohan-Cabaye-c37423 will be the main attacking fulcrum in midfield. The good news will be the return of Krul, who will add some much needed solidarity to the backline.
And keeping in mind the upcoming Premiership commitments, Pardew has not taken his full squad with him to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984.
"We have said all along that with the competitions we are in, everybody will get a game. What we have to do is to pick the team that we feel is good enough to win the game. Whatever team we put out, I have no problem with picking from my 26 players that
I have, and that includes the likes of Adam Campbell, Shane Ferguson and Sammy Ameobi.”
"These guys are going to get some fantastic experience this year, and we are going to be the benefactors of that in the long-term. We are a little bit short of defenders in terms of options. We've lost three defenders, and if you count Tim that is four,”
the tactician said.
Norwich City:
Houghton’s men don’t have any extra commitments going into the tie and will thus be able to channel their energies into Sunday’s crucial kick-off.
The coach has improved upon his defensive line since the opening day shocker to Swansea and with a more robust attitude; the dividends are beginning to emerge in large numbers.
Injuries are also far and few, with Simon Lappin and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Steven-Whittaker-c34215 the only two absentees without a chance of making the squad this weekend. On the other hand, there is positive news on the horizon with Elliot Bennett nearing full fitness and thus in
the trainer’s plans for a possible run out.
Key Players:
Newcastle United: Papiss Cisse
Following his incredible first season at the helm, the striker hasn’t been able to replicate his high standards but the visit of Norwich could be just the test he needs.
Norwich City: Grant Holt
The forward stuck by his employers through thick and thin and is clearly relishing it in the Premiership. But he needs to buck up his goal scoring output, if the side are to get a positive result out of this one.
Prediction:
Newcastle United 2-0 Norwich City
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