Norwich City are set to host Dutch side NAC Breda in their final pre-season friendly at Carrow Road this afternoon. This match is pivotal as the Canaries look to fine-tune their squad ahead of the forthcoming Championship season, which kicks off next week with a home fixture against Millwall.
In an exciting development for Norwich fans, 21-year-old Papa Amadou Diallo is anticipated to make his debut for the club following his transfer from Metz for £4.3 million last month. Manager Liam Manning has opted for a 3-4-3 formation, positioning Diallo on the left side of midfield, while Ben Chrisene steps in at left centre-back. This adjustment marks the only change to the team that recently drew 0-0 against ADO Den Haag, with Diallo taking the place of Shane Duffy in the starting lineup.
Norwich’s preparations have faced challenges due to injuries, with club captain Kenny McLean currently sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery. There are hopes he may return during the international break in September. Additionally, young midfielder Gabriel Forsyth continues to recover from a knee injury sustained last season, while Lucien Mahovo is also doubtful due to a quad problem. Elliot Myles remains unavailable as well.
On the bench, Manning may provide opportunities for debuts to Jeffrey Schlupp and Mathias Kvistgaarden, both of whom have been included in the matchday squad for the first time this pre-season. They will be joined by Kellen Fisher and Jose Cordoba, who have recently returned from minor injuries.
For NAC Breda, the match serves as a crucial opportunity to refine their strategy ahead of the new Eredivisie season, particularly after narrowly escaping relegation last term. The squad will feature former Norwich loanee Sydney van Hooijdonk, who is eager to make a positive impact following a challenging spell at Carrow Road.
As Norwich strive to establish momentum for their Championship campaign, this encounter is expected to hold significance beyond a mere pre-season fixture. Manning’s focus will be on fostering "the habit of winning," a sentiment he will likely reinforce in the dressing room before the match, as the team prepares for the challenges that lie ahead.
This final warm-up match presents supporters with the chance to see new signings in action and re-establish their connection with the team after a summer filled with uncertainty. With thousands of fans expected to attend, the atmosphere is set to be electric, creating an exciting backdrop for the Canaries’ quest for promotion.
### Norwich City Starting XI:
Kovacevic; Medic, Darling, Chrisene; Stacey, Wright, Nunez, Diallo; Crnac, Forson, Sargent.
**Substitutes**: Moulden (GK), Grimshaw (GK), Gibbs, Jurasek, McConville, Schlupp, Schwartau, Kvistgaarden, Cordoba, Fisher.
### NAC Breda Starting XI:
Bielica (GK); Kemper (C), Kongolo, Brym, Leemans, Nassoh, Sowah, Mahmutovic, Balard, van Hooijdonk, Valerius.
**Substitutes**: Lamprou (GK), Kortsmit (GK), Lucassen, Staring, Soumano, Paula, van Reeuwijk, van Ooijen, Hillen, Versluis, Reulen, Erat, Mol, Chiza, Talvtie, Ghalidi.
As both teams take to the pitch, all eyes will be on Diallo and his fellow newcomers as they seek to leave a lasting impression ahead of the competitive season.