Norwich v United Preview

After the fine comeback, last weekend, against a Paul Lambert managed Aston Villa, United are on the road again this weekend, this time taking on the side Lambert left to manage Villa, in Norwich City. Now managed by Chris Hughton, Norwich have failed to sustain the impression they made last season are fifteenth in the Premier League. However, nothing should be taken for granted and Sir Alex Ferguson will acknowledge that Norwich will provide his table-topping side with a stiff challenge.

Ahead of the game, the opposition manager, Chris Hughton, has spoken about the need to concentrate on his own sides abilities rather than that of his illustrious opponents when he commented at the pre-match press conference,

'It is a problem because of the quality Manchester United have got, so you have to make sure that, as a team, you are set up well enough that you are going to be difficult to play against.'

Easier said than done Chris, easier said than done!

Chris Hughton will be looking to pull off a shock this weekend and his chances will be boosted by the return of Alex Tettey after the midfielder missed a chance to appear for Norway, in midweek, through injury.

Our defence has tended to have trouble with strikers this season, let`s hope they can cope with the player that has risen through the divisions in his latter career.

Both Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney were withdrawn from their respective midweek internationals, Van Persie is expected to start but Rooney remains a doubt.

Also on the doubtful list is Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling is expected to deputise and partner Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the defence.

Up front, expect Javier Hernandez to start after his exploits at Villa Park last weekend.

Drew a blank last time out as Hernandez stole the headlines, expect the Dutchman to come storming back.

The record books point firmly to a United win with the statistics showing that in the last fourteen meetings United have won 12, drawn 1 and lost 1

The officials selected for the fixture are:- Referee: A Taylor Assistants: R West, P Bankes Fourth Official: N Swarbrick

I`m, as you`d expect, going for a United win. Carrow Road can be a tough place to visit but we have an aura about us that should / will see us return north with all three points and keep our title charge on target.

Having already secured qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League, albeit as group winners thanks to four wins out of four, United face a comfortable midweek Champions League fixture when travel to the hotbed of Turkish football, Galatasaray.

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