Norwich City: 5 Reasons Canaries Can Shock Manchester United

Norwich City will host the Premier League champion Manchester United on Sunday. This will be the second time the two sides have met this season. In the previous game, Norwich performed well at Old Trafford, but it was the Red Devils that won the game 2-0.

The Canaries will need to perform their best on Sunday, but if they do that they can cause a shock. With the players fired up, and the crowd behind them, anything is possible. So with that in mind, I have compiled this slideshow to preview the match. 

Norwich Won the Last Game at Carrow Road

The Canaries can gain confidence and inspiration from when the two sides last met in the Premier League at Carrow Road. On that day, it was Manchester United that were beaten 2-0 by a spirited Norwich City side.

The goals were scored by recently jailed footballer Leon McKenzie and Dean Ashton. 

If Wayne Rooney Does Not Play, Norwich May Have the More Dangerous Attack

Some sections of the media are rating Wayne Rooney as doubtful for the game, a result of his throat infection. In any case, Sir Alex Ferguson may decide to rest the England striker.

Of the remaining players, Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov would carry the main threats for United. The trio have scored 21 Premier League goals between them this season.

The biggest threats for the Canaries would come from Anthony Pilkington, Grant Holt and Steve Morison. The trio have scored 24 Premier League goals between them.

Norwich City Can Equal Champions Form over the Last Six Games

Most people would assume that the Premier League champions would be in much better form going into this game. However, the form table tells a very different story.

Both sides have won four of their last six league fixtures. In fact, Norwich have only lost once in their last seven games in the Premier League. This means that the East Anglian side has a slight edge over Manchester United.

The Red Devils have lost two of their last seven league games.

Canaries Will Be Fresh and Ready for This One

Paul Lambert ensured that the majority of his key players received minimal playing time in the cup game against Leicester. John Ruddy, Kyle Naughton, Grant Holt and Andrew Surman did not feature at all. Meanwhile, David Fox, Steve Morison and Simeon Jackson were subbed in the second half.

Manchester United were, of course, in European action on Thursday night. Ferguson may have to utilize his squad, which may play into Norwich's hands. 

Paul Lambert Keeps Everyone Guessing

No one seems to know what Paul Lambert will do next. People can try and predict the team Lambert will put out. Just when you think you have figured it out, he changes it again.

Even if Sir Alex Ferguson manages to guess what Paul Lambert is going to do. There is every chance he will still be surprised. The Norwich City manager throws players into positions that are unexpected. 

The lack of coverage from the national media also means the Canaries remain a bit of a mystery. Swansea have received most of the praise; but maybe that is partly because they are easier to pinpoint.

Swansea are a passing side, however how would you define Norwich?

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