Newcastle v Norwich preview
Norwich face their second daunting live Sky clash in five days.
Norwich City face their second daunting live Sky clash in five days as Nigel Worthington's Canaries take on Newcastle United.
City acquitted themselves well in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United and could even have snatched a point, but much of the focus will be on the home side after their surprise home reverse to Tottenham and the £20 million bid for Wayne Rooney.
Former Canary Craig Bellamy looks to be raring to go as he has expressed his astonishment at the Tynesiders' decision to target another forward after selling centre back Jonathan Woodgate.
"I'd say it's pretty much a bad time to be facing us because we are desperate, really," the Welsh striker said at a press conference.
"But we've been playing well and the way we've been playing, well, someone's going to get a hiding.
‚Ç£Hopefully, it won't be Norwich. I just want the three points, that's all, and then Norwich can go on and stay up."
Sir Bobby Robson is without Titus Bramble and Darren Ambrose but Lee Bowyer is available after a bout of conjunctivitis.
City boss Worthington is ready to make changes to his line-up with Paul McVeigh a possible starter following his goal when coming off the bench at Old Trafford.
The Irish manager wants some "fresh legs" and has Malky Mackay, Youssef Safri and young Ryan Jarvis to call upon. However, the match might come just too soon for midfielder Phil Mulryne.
Skysports.com Prediction: 4-1.
Bellamy to cause problems for his old side with Shearer and Kluivert also keen to prove a point.
| Team | Newcastle United | Norwich City | | |
| Games Played | 2 | 2 | | |
| Goal Attempts | | | | |
| Goals | 2 | 2 | | |
| Ave Goals per game | 1.00 | 1.00 | | |
| Shots (excl blocked shots) | 19 | 17 | | |
| % Shots on Target | 37% | 47% | | |
| % Goals to Shots | 11% | 12% | | |
| Passing | | | | |
| Short Passes | 585 | 350 | | |
| Long Passes | 221 | 157 | | |
| Overall Pass Completion % | 77% | 68% | | |
| Crossing | | | | |
| Total Crosses | 71 | 39 | | |
| Cross Completion % | 20% | 18% | | |
| Defending | | | | |
| Goals Conceded | 3 | 3 | | |
| Ave goals conceded per game | 1.50 | 1.50 | | |
| Tackles | 50 | 67 | | |
| Tackles Won % | 72% | 67% | | |
| Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions | 66 | 96 | | |
| Discipline | | | | |
| Fouls | 23 | 39 | | |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 | | |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 | | |
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