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Ahead of Saturday's game against Norwich City
at Carrow Road, we spoke with Ian from the City website
Vital Norwich.
He gives us his views on their start to the season, Alex Neil, Mulumbu and
Dorrans, and more.
You can follow Ian and his website
on Twitter @VitalNorwich.
How would you
rate Norwich's start to the season?
We've done ok. Neil has had us
playing some good stuff, attractive attacking football. Until last week we'd
never been outplayed. It will be interesting to see how they react and if he
abandons his attacking instincts - I suspect not.
Canaries' boss
Alex Neil is still fairly unknown to the majority of football fans, tell us a
little about him and his management style?
He was unknown to us until
January too! He's ballsy, likes a gamble and is very confident. He speaks well
and let's you know who's in charge. In his first game we were drawing with the
league leaders, Bournemouth away. Jonny Howson got sent off and he threw on another striker. We won
that game with a goal from that striker, Cameron Jerome, in the last minute.
That tells you a bit about his approach.
Is Neil the
man to keep Norwich in the Premier League?
Yes. Last time a lot of fans
were fed up with Chris Hughton's negative approach. Neil is a breath of fresh
air and hopefully gets the rub of the green to keep us up.
Two popular ex-Albion stars now
ply their trade at Carrow Road - Youssouf Mulumbu is yet
to make an impact through injury but how's Graham Dorrans done?
Mulumbu is always someone I
thought was a quality Premier League player. I was really pleased when he joined
and over time I think he will make a big impact.
Dorrans is a Marmite player.
Technically he's very good, and he's creative. However some fans get frustrated
at how he seems to slow things down. He's been a very good addition for us and
adds strength to our midfield.
Who have been
the Canaries' best players so far this season?
Robbie Brady has started very
well since moving from
Hull, but Jonny Howson is having a good season so far. He's
adaptable but best in an attacking midfield role or as a box to box midfielder.
7.5 out of 10 every week.
Nathan Redmond is also
developing fast. He's always a threat with his pace and skill and can't be far
off an England call up.
Wes Hoolahan has been the main
man so far and is playing his best football ever this year. He's probably the
danger man - when he plays well so do we.
Any players
been particularly disappointing?
Cameron Jerome has been playing
well but has been unlucky in front of goal and was dropped last week. He's still
a threat.
Our defence was exposed last
week but we badly needed to strengthen in the summer at centre back and right
back. Our weakest position is at right back where we have Steven Whittaker
backed up by Andre Wisdom. Both look unconvincing at best.
Prediction for
Norwich's season?
16th.
Prediction for
Albion's season?
12th
Premier League
champions?
Manchester City
Relegated?
Bournemouth, Watford and
Sunderland
What line-up
and tactics can we expect to see from the Canaries on Saturday?
We will likely go 4-4-1-1
Ruddy; Whittaker, Olsson,
Bassong, Martin; Tettey, Howson, Brady, Redmond; Hoolahan; Mbokani
Prediction and
thoughts on the game?
Well I dreamt we won 2-0 with
Brady scoring the first so I'd take that. However I would be surprised if we
don't concede. We really need a win so I think we will sneak it 2-1 with a late
Redmond winner.
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