Opposition view – Norwich City

We speak to Joe Hinchliffe of TalkNorwichCity.com ahead of the Canaries’ visit to the Liberty Stadium this weekend…


How’s your season been so far?

After a slow start, it’s been remarkable. Ahead of the season it would be fair to say most fans were expecting to finish somewhere between 7th-10th and we still might but, there is a lot of optimism around the club at the moment. Norwich sit top of the table and were playing some very attractive football, life as a Norwich supporter is pretty sweet at this moment in time.


What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

Norwich City’s current form has increased expectations somewhat, with most fans now predicting at least a playoff berth. Me personally, I think were better than most teams in the league, certainly at the moment but, there is a long way to go yet. If I was to stick my neck out and make a prediction, I’d could see Norwich finishing in the top three.


Daniel Farke is currently in his 2nd full season in charge at Carror Road. What do the fans think of him?

If you had asked me this question at the end of last season, or even the start of this season, I would of said the fan base were split but, after the recent run of results everyone seems to be pushing in the same direction. Personally, I’ve found his honesty in press conferences refreshing and Farke’s footballing philosophy is very nice to on the eye. This is a guy that has held both Head Coach and Sporting director roles, simultaneously whilst at SV Lippstadt, so he is a perfect fit and compliments our Sporting Director, Stuart Webber rather well.


The transfer window is fast approaching. IS there money to spend and which positions need to be strengthened?

After the sale of James Maddison and the Murphy twins, there is money there but whether or not it can be spent is unclear. Maddison’s sale effectively covered the loss of parachute payments but, with high earners still on the books, Naismith et al, how much of those fees will be left at the end of the season is uncertain. What is certain is Stuart Webber knows what he is doing and if he feels he needs to bring in players, he will. Jamal Lewis is the only left-back in the squad, Stiepermann has played there but is far more impressive in midfield and so if City were going to improve the squad, my guess would be a left-back if there isn’t one already earmarked on the academy productive line.


What do you make of Swansea and which players if any do you fear?

I’ve been to the Liberty once and Norwich lost 3-0, followed by a particularly long journey home. Looking at the team, its relatively young, I’m looking forward to seeing Rodon and Roberts, two younger players in a stubborn defence. In terms of threat Oli McBurnie has weighed in with most of Swansea’s goals so I’ll go with him. One of the local Norwich journalists, David Freezer, actually earmarked McBurnie to get top goal scorer this year, make of that what you will.


Predict the score and where both teams will finish…

I’ll go for a 2-1 Norwich win, Pukki with the winner – obviously. As for the rest of the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if we met again in the playoffs.