Preston Preview
By: David | February 14th, 2009Norwich travel to Preston today for a game which will really test the boys. I think this will be one of those games where City perform really well and get something out of the match, or sink to a heavy defeat. With Preston having the second best home record in the league, behind Reading, and our away record being one of the worst in the league perhaps it is all set for a big upset.
Alan Irvine certainly has his team playing solid football since taking over the reigns when they were in a position much like Norwich are now. They were rooted to the bottom of the table but finished comfortably away from danger. This season they are serious contenders for a play off berth having assembled a team of grafters and team players. Former City striker Chris Brown is unavailable for the Lilywhites today, however, as he recovers from injury.
For City today Ryan Bertrand is definitely out having sustained medial ankle ligament damage against Bristol City which ruled him out of England’s under 21 game in midweek. All being well this should just be a short term injury and he may well be available for selection next week, which is good news for the Chelsea loanee.
Sammy Clingan is rated as 50-50 for the game having picked up a thigh strain against Wolves, he also was forced him out of International representation, missing Northern Ireland’s midweek fixture.
One player that did manage a fleeting appearance for his country was David Carney who played the three minutes of injury time at the end of Australia’s game in Yokohoma, Japan for their World Cup qualifying match, so jet lag could keep him out of the starting line up.
Jason Shackell could make his return to the City team following his acquisition on loan from Wolves. Gunn said he would have no hesitation including him in the team on fitness grounds “Jason is a very fit lad. I know that from his time here before,” he said. “He trains well, he’s not missed any training at Wolves and he played in the FA Cup game against Middlesbrough a couple of weeks ago, so he has had games in the middle of January. I’m more than happy that, if selected, Jason’s fitness levels would be good enough.”
City are likely to come up against one player who was strongly linked with a move to Carrow Road. Stoke’s Andrew Davies was supposed to be signing in January but Stoke’s own move for a replacement centre half was scuppered by the snow, so the move never materialised. He was expected to sign in this loan window but has subsequently signed for Preston on loan. No doubt he’ll play the game of his life if selected.
Category: Team
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