Scouting The Other Side : Norwich City FC

This is the "Scouting The Other Side" section where we take a look at our opposition forums and see what they think of the upcoming match against Arsenal. After infiltrating several Norwich City FC forums and had a chat with some of the fans, got myself some exclusive interviews with them as well.

Welcome to this edition of Scouting The Other Side: Norwich City FC.

Anna is a seasoned ticket holder of Norwich City FC and has been supporting them for six years now.

So Anna tell us a bit about yourself.
A: I'm nearly 18, and mostly talk about Norwich and other football stuff all the time, regularly getting told off for doing so. I go to, watch (on TV) or listen to every match. And when we got promoted I wore my shirt, scarf and banner (round my waist) all the next day to sixth form. That proves how mad I am about Norwich. Laughing aloud.

What are your predictions for this match against Arsenal?
A: I reckon we'll lose 2-1.

2-1. So who do you think will score first?
A: Arsenal will score their goals then we'll score ours like against Man Utd.

The same against Newcastle as well. It appears that Norwich tend to fight back after their opponents score. Do you reckon it's the Norwich defence that's the problem?
A: Nope, our defence has been great so far this season. In the Man U match we got more confidence at the end, when we relaxed more. And against Newcastle we didn't really deserve to go 2 goals down.

Norwich usually does better in the second half - why do you think is the reason for this.
A: I think it just takes us a while to relax and get in to the game. But we're getting better, as against Newcastle we played right from the start, and should have scored first.

With Bentley not available for the game, do you think Norwich will have a problem with their attacking options?
A: We have good enough players who can replace him. So I'm sure we'll be fine attacking. We have Jonson who can come in for him, with McVeigh switching to the left. Alternatively, Huckerby can play on the left and we'll bring in another striker to play with Doherty.

I had heard of Jonson mentioned by a few other fans. Can you tell us more about him?
A: He had poor games against Palace and Man Utd, but when he came on against Newcastle he seemed to have improved and put in some good crosses. He's still getting used to the new team at the moment, and was busy over the Summer because of playing in Euro 2004, so he's been tired. But I'm sure he'll improve and be his normal self in no time.

So who do you predict will be the best player for Norwich in this match?
A: Francis! He's been great, our best player so far this season. He plays in centre midfield. He's a strong tackler but likes to get forward at the same time, having shots at goal and creating chances for other people. He has actually been compared to Patrick Vieira.

Unfortunately, he might not get the chance to play against Vieira who is doubtful for this match. He will get to face Fabregas who has been sensational so far.
A: Well, we'll have to see how he does.

What do you think are Norwich's biggest threats from Arsenal?
A: You have Henry! Laughing out loud. And you nearly always put good crosses into the box.

What do you think are the weak links in Arsenal?
A: Probably your defense, you've only conceded one goal less than us I think.

Do you think Huckerby will have a good chance against Cygan?
A: Yes, he's one of those strikers that has loads of pace and can beat practically any defender.

With Arsenal's highly attacking style of football, do you think the manager might opt for a more defensive lineup?
A: Nope. He'll more or less pick the same team that played against Newcastle, apart from Bentley obviously.

Norwich has not lost in the last ten league games at home. I suppose the home crowd must be a big motivation to the team.
A: yeah, we always try and make a massive amount of noise, and it will be no different tomorrow.

It will definitely be a great atmosphere there. What message do you have for Arsenal fans?
A: We will surprise you by how well we will play as Worthington has told the team to go out and win.

Our next fan in the spotlight is 19 year old Graham Start.

What are your predictions for this match against Arsenal?
G: My realistic prediction is an Arsenal win, me heart says me might nick a draw. Norwich will score first.

With Bentley not available for the game, do you think Norwich will have a problem with their attacking options?
G: No, we've got Swedish international Mattias Jonson to come in for Bentley.

Arsenal has scored more than three goals in every match since the community shield, do you think the manager might opt for a more defensive lineup against Arsenal?
G: I don't think we will, the side will go out to try and win the game.

So who do you predict will be the best player for Norwich in this match?
G: It's hard to say, Damien Francis has been fantastic so far, also Robert Green will have to play well if we're going to get anything from it.

And on Arsenal threats to worry about?
G: Henry, Reyes, Píres, Bergkamp, Ljungberg, Cole, do I need to list any more?

What do you think are the weak links in Arsenal and how will Norwich capitalise on this?
G: Pascal Cygan, if Huckerby can run at him and put him under pressure he could get the better of him. Lehmann as well, get players around him on set plays and he doesn't like it.

Norwich has not lost in the last ten league games at home. What do you think is the main reason?
G: 9 of those were in Division 1 of course, we have had a very strong defence and don't concede many, so even when we haven't played particularly well it's been enough to win.

What message do you have for Arsenal fans before the match?
G: I'm not sure, what can you say? I just hope those of you coming enjoy you're trip to Norwich, not too much though! With any luck it won't be the last chance you get for a few years.

We thank Anna and Graham Start for their interviews. Now let's check out some quotes I found from the other side.

"Ah the old chestnuts of 'Arsenal have not beaten Norwich at Fortress Carrow since 1984.' Also 'Norwich are unbeaten in their last 10 home games.' Well, stats and facts aside we can win because Arsenal have to lose one day. No one can imagine them playing crap or having an off day but sometimes they do (i.e. 43 games ago against Leeds). Why not Saturday, why not us?" - Welsh ExPat

"I've been checking the statistics, and this so called unbeatable Arsenal team haven't beaten US in a league match for over 9 years." - ADD S

"Without having to check statistics I cant seem to remember Norwich in the top flight of football very much over the past nine years" – Louis Gooner, a fellow Gooner's reply.

"We will either get slaughtered: 4-1 or it will be close: 2-1 Arsenal. If we get a draw, I will be ecstatic! But a win must be out of the question." - NCFC4EVER

"I don't think many Norwich fans really think that we'll beat Arsenal on Saturday. But then, nobody else in England beats them either. As long as we have a go at 'em and give a good account of ourselves (and we have done in the other games) then we can take something from it and concentrate on the important games coming up where we have to get points." – Justin

Here are some interesting facts of this match.

Canaries have not been beaten at fortress Carrow Road since mid-January. They are undefeated in 10 League games at home.

This is Le Boss's 300th Premiership match in charge.

Kolo Touré will be making his 100th appearance for Arsenal if he starts.

That's all for this edition of Scouting The Other Side. As we can see, Norwich City are likely to have a go at us and will try to win the game.

Remember last season's draw with Portsmouth?

Fabregas will have to watch out for Francis, who is hailed as Norwich's best player so far. I think this will be a close game and the team will need to stay focused.

Cygan will hopefully perform well and get the critics off his back. For Arsenal fans who will be at the match, let's cheer loudly for the team and not fall behind the home crowd.

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