Preview: Norwich (H)
Sep 10, 2005
Author: Joe Etchells

Despite that long awaited first league victory of the new campaign, Norwich have been alarmingly slow out of the blocks this season with much the same side that so nearly escaped relegation from the Premiership last term. Saturday's three points are invaluable to them, as every point always is in this division, but the win only lifted them to 16th in the table, and confidence among the supporters is far from sky-high.

Nonetheless, Norwich were the bookies pre-season favourites for promotion for a reason. Paul Robinson's England understudy Rob Green plies his trade for the Canaries in goal. They boast a proven back line including the likes of Canadian international Jim Brennan and Holland under-21 star Jurgen Colin. Their midfield remians strong despite the departure of the talented Damien Francis to Premiership new boys Wigan Athletic. Darren Huckerby, along with Youssef Safri and Dean Marney who's on a season long loan from Spurs, are the main threats in that department, though Huckerby, like the rest of the team, has yet to replicate the form he knows he's capable of. And their forward line needs little introduction: Dean Ashton and Kevin Lisbie (on loan from Charlton) are capable of ripping any Championship defence open on their day.

Our Malky Mackay will be in the starting line up to face his old clup for the first time since leaving them to join West Ham United in the summer of 2004. There are no former Hornets in Norwich's current squad.

On the injury front, captain Gavin Mahon remains a doubt for us, as does big target man Darius Henderson. None are suspended. Norwich have one injury to a key first-teamer, pacy striker Leon Mckenzie. Darren Huckerby is suspended following his sending off at Stoke City on August 29th.

Ticket prices for the game are as follows:

IN ADVANCE


UPPER
LOWER ROUS
FAMILY

ROUS
EAST STAND
AREAS

ROOKERY

ADULTS
£27
£22
£22

OVER 65
n/a
£12
£12

STUDENTS
n/a
£12
£12

YOUNG ADULT
n/a
£12
£12

UNDER 16
n/a
£12
£5*


* MUST BE A FULL-PAYING ADULT IN THE PARTY TO CLAIM THIS PRICE


ON MATCHDAY


UPPER
LOWER ROUS
FAMILY

ROUS
EAST STAND
AREAS

ROOKERY

ADULTS
£30
£25
£25

OVER 65
n/a
£15
£15

STUDENTS
n/a
£15
£15

YOUNG ADULT
n/a
£15
£15

UNDER 16
n/a
£15
£5*


* MUST BE A FULL-PAYING ADULT IN THE PARTY TO CLAIM THIS PRICE

Last time Norwich visited Vicarage Road, they had just clinched promotion, and got their party well and truly underway as they beat us 2-1, though outclassing us more than the tight scoreline suggested. However, given Norwich's surprisingly poor start to the season and Watford's almost equally unforseen strong start, expect a far more competitive scrap this time around.