Norwich City are preparing to host Wrexham at Carrow Road this afternoon, a match that holds significant importance for fans eager for their team’s return to Championship action at home. It has been nearly a month since the Canaries played on their own ground, and with Wrexham visiting for the first time since 1982, excitement is palpable among supporters.
Wrexham's ascent through the football leagues, fuelled by the financial backing of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has captivated audiences across the globe. Their remarkable journey resembles a fairy tale, and Norwich will be determined to prevent that narrative from continuing at their expense.
Liam Manning, Norwich's head coach, has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Wrexham. In his pre-match remarks, he noted their impressive progression and the quality of their squad. “You’ve got to look at the history,” Manning stated. “The last few years have been exciting to watch. (Wrexham manager) Phil Parkinson’s done an incredible job when you look at it – they’re a difficult side.”
Manning pointed out Wrexham’s strategic summer recruitment, which includes a host of experienced players. “They spent a large amount of money without recouping anything, big outlays when you look at Kieffer Moore, Nathan Broadhead, Conor Coady. They brought in people who are proven, so that is a clear indicator of what their intent is. They want to push and be successful and they’re used to having that pressure on them,” he explained.
A player of particular interest for Manning is Callum Doyle, who transferred to Wrexham for £7.5 million following a successful loan period at Norwich last season. “It’s not just him,” Manning continued. “Over the last few years they have signed players ready for the level, or if not just slightly above. They’re not signing players to sell in the future. They’re signing players to deliver now.”
Norwich have faced difficulties at home, enduring three consecutive defeats, and Manning is still seeking his first victory at Carrow Road since taking the helm. He emphasised the importance of his team asserting themselves more effectively, especially after a lacklustre performance against Coventry last weekend. “It was the first I've seen us like that and I wouldn't like that too often,” he admitted. “I don't want to go to a place and be defending for as long as we did last weekend.”
For Norwich to achieve a positive outcome, Manning believes maintaining control will be crucial. “We’ve got to work really hard to find a way to impose ourselves on the game for longer periods of time,” he remarked. “How do we dominate and make it look like we want it to for 60/70 minutes?”
In terms of team news, Norwich welcome back Jacob Wright after serving a three-game suspension; however, they will be without summer signing Mathias Kvistgaarden, who is sidelined for six weeks due to a knee injury. Ben Chrisene is also expected to be out for around eight weeks with a hamstring problem. On a positive note, Lucien Mahovo and Jeffrey Schlupp are nearing full fitness, while Emiliano Marcondes may feature after being rested recently.
As Norwich aim to reverse their fortunes at home, they will need to put forth their best performance against a Wrexham side eager for success. The stage is set for what promises to be a compelling encounter, with both teams ready to make their mark.