Manchester City vs. Norwich: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info
Manchester City leave for Seville on Tuesday to play a crucial Champions League group game, but first it’s the Premier League and a home game against Norwich City.
City made it through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup with victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday. They are top of the league on goal difference and are well-placed to qualify from Group D in the Champions League. It’s a crucial few weeks for Manuel Pellegrini’s squad.
City have scored 18 goals in their last four games at home in all competitions. Given Norwich have been porous at the back, there will almost certainly be goals in this game.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
The Canaries are playing some attractive football going forward, with boss Alex Neil encouraging them to continue the pass-and-move style that secured them promotion from the Championship last season.
However, only Newcastle United, who hit six past Norwich in their recent match at St James’ Park, and Bournemouth have conceded more in the league this season.
They sit 16th in the table, three points outside the relegation places.
Date: Saturday, October 31
Kick-off: 3 p.m. GMT/11 a.m. ET
TV Listings: Premier League Extra Time and NBC Sports Live Extra
Live Stream: n/a
Form Guide (last 5 results)
City
City 5-1 Crystal Palace (League Cup)
Manchester United 0-0 City
City 2-1 Sevilla (Champions League)
City 5-1 Bournemouth
City 6-1 Newcastle United
Norwich
Everton 1-1 Norwich (League Cup—Everton win 4-3 on pens)
Norwich 0-1 West Brom
Newcastle 6-2 Norwich
Norwich 1-2 Leicester
West Ham United 2-2 Norwich
Predicted Formations
City
Pellegrini is still without playmaker David Silva who has failed to recover from an ankle problem. Pablo Zabaleta, who damaged his medial knee ligament again in the win over Palace on Wednesday, will be out for around 25 days, which is a better prognosis than many expected when he was stretchered off.
Sergio Aguero, Fabian Delph, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri are all still recovering from their existing setbacks. Yaya Toure could be in line for a rest ahead of the game with Sevilla on Tuesday.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernando, Fernandinho; Navas, De Bruyne, Sterling; Iheanacho
"PELLEGRINI: "@21lva is not in the squad list for the weekend as he still has some pain in his ankle. Fabian and Gael hopefully next week."
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 30, 2015"
Norwich
Norwich's task is made more difficult because of Andre Wisdom's absence. He has a knee problem and won't be considered. Dieumerci Mbokani has been ill and is a doubt.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ruddy; Martin, Bennett, Bassong, Brady; Tettey, Mulumbu; Jarvis, Hoolahan, Howson; Mbokani
Players to Watch
City: Kelechi Iheanacho
Pellegrini is understandably cautious when it comes to using youngsters in his side. The quality of City's squad means it's difficult for City's EDS players to make the step up consistently.
However, with Kelechi Iheanacho, his caution may have to be parked. City's 19-year-old Nigerian striker possesses the talent and confidence needed to make a significant impact. He cannot be held back any longer.
Prior to Wednesday's League Cup game with Palace, he'd played just 42 minutes of first-team football this season spread over six matches. He'd impressed and had scored a last-minute winner against Palace in the league. He appeared ready for more.
He played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday, scored a superb goal and assisted two more. It was a performance full of movement, intelligence, vision and remarkable quality.
Pellegrini now has a decision to make. In the absence of Sergio Aguero, Wilfried Bony has been his preferred deputy. Iheanacho, though, needs games.
Norwich: Wes Hoolahan
Going forward, Norwich have looked decent all season, with Wes Hoolahan their creative force. He has registered five assists already—one of the highest figures in the league.
He's a player unrestricted in terms of positioning. He'll drift out wide and put crosses in, but he mainly plays in central areas, looking to provide neat through balls to his team-mates.
In a side somewhat short on quality, he's excelled so far this season and is certainly Norwich's main threat.
Key Battle
Fernandinho vs. Youssouf Mulumbu
It's been a slow start to life at Norwich for Youssouf Mulumbu. He moved to the club on a free transfer in the summer, but a broken metatarsal has delayed his introduction into the side. He made his debut in midweek against Everton in the League Cup and will now be a key part of Neil's team.
He spent six years at West Brom and made more than 200 appearances. The 28-year-old will bring vast experience, as well as strength and dynamism in midfield.
Fernandinho has had a superb season and has arguably been City's best player.
His drive and energy have been central to City's improved play. His form may have dipped last season after a damaging World Cup experience, but the man signed from Shakhtar Donetsk back in 2013 has re-emerged this season as a star of the Blues team.
He was suspended for the win over Palace on Wednesday night after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Manchester United, but he's free to return to the side for this game.
Odds (via Odds Shark)
City: -455
Norwich: +1007
Draw: +525
"Here's the cover of tomorrow's match programme. Pick up your copy at the game! #cityvnorwich. #mcfc pic.twitter.com/lhX2rLYN25
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 30, 2015"
Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
