English Premier League: 5 Ways Norwich City Can Shock Manchester United
No one envies Norwich City this weekend, as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. As far as the bookies are concerned, it is merely a question of how many goals United will score, not what the result will be.
However, Paul Lambert and Norwich City have to believe they can get something at Old Trafford. After all, United have drawn their last two games.
So with this in mind, I've had a look at some areas that appear to be favourable for Norwich City going into the game. Taken advantage of, these areas may help the Canaries grab a draw or even a shocking victory.
Norwich Has Defeated Manchester United Before
1 of 5The prospect of Norwich city beating Manchester United seems far-fetched, doesn't it?
Well, cast your mind back to 2005. No one gave Norwich City a chance when the two sides met at Carrow Road in the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson was similarly complacent and decided to rest some of his key players.
Unfortunately for Ferguson, Norwich were up for this game and ended up winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Dean Ashton and Leon McKenzie.
Of course, repeating the feat at Old Trafford will be a much harder task, but Paul Lambert will be keen to remind his players that anything is possible.
Manchester United Has Injury Problems
2 of 5It may be clutching at straws to talk about Manchester United's current injury problems.
Everyone knows that despite injuries, Manchester United have an incredible squad to choose from and can easily field a very strong side against Norwich City.
That being said, Manchester United will be without key players such as Wayne Rooney, and the list may also include Javier Hernandez. Clearly, Manchester United would want a full squad to choose from and not having certain players available will encourage Norwich City's chances.
Norwich City Is in Form
3 of 5Norwich City is starting to enjoy life in the Premier League and have hit some form at just the right time.
The club has run off of two straight wins following success over Bolton (away) and Sunderland (at home).
Some people might argue that the pressure is off for the visit to Old Trafford. Norwich does not need to be scared about going to United and losing, so they can go to Manchester and express themselves.
Paul Lambert Will Attack the Champions
4 of 5Norwich manager Paul Lambert is not known for his defensive or negative management. Teams in the past have gone to Old Trafford and been written off before the game even starts.
While others have gone with very defensive systems in order to contain Manchester United, but Norwich City will not fall into that trap.
Paul Lambert will put out a team that can go and win the game against United, and will thus look to attack. If Norwich can keep it tight in the first half and then have a real go in the second half, the result may be up for grabs at the end.
Manchester United Look Vulnerable on Defense
5 of 5Manchester United have looked like an impressive side this season. Ashley Young is clearly a very useful addition to United's attacking options.
However, the Premier League champions have been less convincing at the back. GK David de Gea has been prone to some mistakes this season. Manchester United should have won their Champions League game this week very comfortably. Two quick-fire goals in the first half saw United up 2-0.
However, Basel came back and were even leading 3-2 after putting the United defence under some pressure. This is certainly promising for Norwich City, because it shows the Manchester United defence may concede goals under pressure.
So with that, enjoy the game, and don't be surprised to see a favorable Norwich City result.
