Well, yes it matters massively to Norwich, as they can still be overtaken should they lose to us and the Blades win at Stoke.
A point would be good enough for the Canarys, but I definitely can’t see them playing for a draw, so they’ll be looking to win which might play into our hands.
Depending which team plays of course, although Dean Smith has already emphasised that we’re not allowed to change things up too much.
So no second string team then although you’d expect a couple of players to be rested.
First is John McGinn and we already know he won’t be playing, as we can’t risk him getting another booking.
I’d also expect Jack Grealish to be subbed quite early if he actually starts. While I wouldn’t expect Norwich to target him specifically, it makes sense to just be careful, as losing him for the play-offs would be a major disadvantage.
Jonathan Kodjia, Kortney Hause and Lovre Kalinic are all fit.
As is Tammy Abraham. I’d expect him to start and be swapped out for Kodjia.
Does Hause walk straight back in? Tough call, that one, as Tuanzebe has done very little wrong.
It’s a shame we can’t have five subs for this game.
So how do I see this game going?
Frankly, I don’t have a clue.
Dean Smith will want the players to win, so we maintain momentum going into the play-offs, but ultimately the players will be thinking that it doesn’t really matter and I can’t see them going all out, as they won’t want to risk injury.
To be honest, apart from the fact that keeping momentum would be nice, this game doesn’t really matter, does it? Certainly, if we weren’t in the play-offs, there’d be very little interest at all apart from the carnival atmosphere you always get for the last game of the season.
I think I’m going to go for a hopeful draw, but wouldn’t be surprised if we lose, as they’ll want it more.
That’s not to say that I don’t think we could beat them if we went all out.
It’s just that we don’t need to.
Did anyone else catch the fact that we haven’t won a final game of the season for the last seven years? That surprised me, although we have been poor for a fair while now.
It would be nice to end that run.
Stoke 1 Sheffield 0
Lansbury looks sharp and we’re controlling this atm.
I’d guess that both teams might settle for a draw right now. Norwich will be much deserved champions and Villa keep their unbeaten run going.
No injuries please.
Boro 1-0 up through a penalty. From the reports it’s a soft one too.
Do they ever score from open play do you think?
Not much!
Just seen Boro’s penalty – ‘soft’ doesn’t do it justice, the defender just breathed on him and he fell over.
Leeds losing to Ipswich.
Norwich defender clearly heads out for a corner, yet the ref gives a GK.
Awful reffing then.
Ipswich 1 leeds 0
Good chance for Kodjia then.
You’re way in front of me pat.
Keep it up 🙂
Ooh, good curler from Hourihane then.
Kodjia working hard.
Boro 2 up
Derby leading at half time but Albion missed two great chances. Albion’s defence has more holes in it than a colander!
Mclean crocked and off.
No doubt Villa have settled down a lot Nice shot from Hourhane then , Albert having a bad game again loosing the ball in the Norwich goal mouth.
Whelan outside of the boot attempted curler lol.
Not that far off!
Norwich curler hits the bar. Unlucky.
Lansbury has been outstanding IMO
Yes, he looks on it.
leeds losing again.
Albion 2-1 up
Oops, Albion 1-1
Stoke 2 Sheffield 1
Derby 2-1
Good
Derby 2 Albion 1
Kodjia, who’s had a decent game, off for Davis
Derby 3-1
Even better
Derby 3-1
Albion are nowt, in my mind.
Yes I hope Derby get a few more. It’ll do wonders for their confidence – not.
Aston Villa had 10 shots at goal Norwich 15,
41,696 crowd
Bill, we’ve had the better chances, imo.
I’m 3 minutes behind in stream. 41 thousand and 46 biggest crowd this season.
Agree Badger, and I like the way we have played this game.
Davis is playing well, another change Thor is on .