Match Preview – Norwich City v Oldham Athletic
December 4, 2009 in Match Preview, Norwich City FC by Nelson's Revenge
The Canaries take on Oldham Athletic at Carrow Road tomorrow afternoon and will be aiming to maintain their impressive home run that has helped push them into third place in League One and City boss Paul Lambert could be spoilt for choice in midfield.
City last won six home matches in a row in spring 2006, and will now be looking to add Oldham to their list of victories after previously sending Leyton Orient, Bristol Rovers, Swindon, Tranmere and Brighton away from Carrow Road.
Darel Russell was back in training yesterday and will be fit to return, if selected, after missing the 3-0 win at Southend with a dead leg, whilst full back Adam Drury, taken off at half time against Southend, was to be assessed after training today.
Simon Lappin could continue in defence if Drury is ruled out, but Lambert is still left with numerous options in midfield and Stephen Hughes, who started against Southend on Tuesday in place of Russell, could start again tomorrow if required.
Anthony McNamee will be chomping at the bit for a start tomorrow and has impressed at Colney, but may still have to wait for his chance.
Matthew Gill is back in training after suffering a calf injury at Stockport five weeks ago, but is not ready for a senior recall, whilst City are still without defenders Michael Spillane and George Francomb, midfielder Owain Tudur Jones and goalkeeper Declan Rudd.
Oldham boss Dave Penney will be without Alex Marrow through suspension, after the on loan Blackburn midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season in Tuesday’s 2-0 home defeat against Leeds and now serves a one match ban.
Marrow deputised at centre-back for the injured Reuben Hazell against Leeds and his absence could be keenly felt at Carrow Road and Penney will be desperate for Hazell to recover from a calf strain in time to feature, with only youngster Laquan Esdaile-Biney a potential candidate to deputise at the back.
Left back Joe Jacobson may be switched into a central role as the Latics seek to cope with an injury list that could deprive them of Andy Holdsworth, Chris Taylor and a number of other long term absentees.
