Norwich City host Hull City at Carrow Road this weekend, with the Canaries under considerable pressure following a dismal start to the Championship season. After enduring five consecutive defeats, including losses in all their home fixtures, Norwich find themselves firmly entrenched in the relegation zone. With only eight points from their first 12 games, the club is experiencing its worst second-tier start since the 2007-08 campaign. Read more about Crnac Undergoes Successful ACL Surgery as Norwich Struggles.
In stark contrast, Hull City arrive in Norfolk buoyed by a positive run, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. Their recent 3-2 victory against Birmingham City has injected confidence into the squad, and the Tigers are keen to capitalise on the unrest among Norwich supporters, who are expected to voice their frustrations regarding manager Liam Manning's performance. Hull defender Semi Ajayi acknowledged the challenging atmosphere but expressed optimism in his team’s ability to handle the pressure from the crowd. Read more about Norwich City Halts Carrow Road Plans Amid Fan Outcry.
"It's a good opportunity for us to bounce back," Ajayi stated, as reported by Hull Live. "It won't be an easy game; Norwich is never an easy place to go to, but I think the boys are really up for the challenge and looking forward to it."
Hull's head coach, Sergej Jakirovic, faces selection challenges due to injuries affecting key players. The Tigers have successfully adapted their tactics, employing a three-defender system that nearly secured them a fourth consecutive victory in their recent match against Charlton Athletic, only to concede a last-minute equaliser. Jakirovic may consider reverting to a more conventional formation against a Norwich side struggling with defensive consistency.
Despite Hull’s encouraging form, they are still grappling with injuries, notably missing Liam Millar and Mohamed Belloumi. The return of Matt Crooks, who has been managing a shoulder issue, offers a welcome boost to the squad. Jakirovic will be looking for pivotal contributions from players like Joe Gelhardt and Kyle Joseph, who could pose a significant threat to Norwich's defence.
Darko Gyabi, another crucial member of Hull's squad, remains focused on the team’s progression despite the turmoil surrounding Norwich. "As a team, we're improving and that's what we need to focus on: step by step, game by game," he remarked, emphasising Hull's resilience in the face of adversity. Read more about Attanasio Stands Firm as Canaries Face Tough Times.
Historically, Norwich City has enjoyed a favourable record against Hull, remaining unbeaten in their last five league meetings (W4 D1) and netting 12 goals during that time. Conversely, Hull have secured just one victory in their last 13 league visits to Carrow Road, a 2-0 win in September 2010.
As the Canaries seek to reverse their fortunes, they must find a way to quiet the disheartened home crowd and recapture the form that once established them as a competitive force in the Championship. With both teams eager for vital points, Saturday's match promises to be a gripping encounter, filled with tension and potential drama.