Match Preview – Norwich City v Brighton
November 24, 2009 in Match Preview, Norwich City FC by Nelson's Revenge
City welcome Brighton side to Carrow Road this evening and will be looking to make it four League One wins from five against Gus Poyet’s side, with Paul Lambert likely to name an unchanged side against the South Coast side.
The Canaries avoided picking up any injuries during their match at St Mary’s on Saturday, where they twice came from behind to earn a valuable point to stay fifth, and although Cody McDonald and Stephen Hughes will be pushing for starts this evening it is expected that Lambert will stay with the same starting eleven.
City have not lost a home league game since Paul Lambert took charge in August, have amassed 17 points from a possible 21, and are currently on a six game unbeaten run in all competitions, which is the kind of form that has helped confirm City as one of the promotion favourites and the team’s confidence is currently sky high.
City have the chance to go third in League One if results go their way this evening and they manage a win over the Seagulls, and as Saturdays match proved they are capable of digging deep to get the result if required.
Gus Poyet suffered his first league defeat as Brighton manager on Saturday and his side, who are one position above the League One relegation zone, will be looking to welcome back Liam Dickinson who missed Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Leeds.
Gavin Hoyte has extended his loan spell from Arsenal and is set to return at right back after completing a three match ban, but goalkeeper Michel Kuipers is still missing with a thigh strain and is likely to be replaced by Graeme Smith.
Centre half Colin Hawkins remains sidelined with an achilles problem, Jim McNulty is also absent with an ankle injury.
