Norwich City vs Blackburn Rovers; Sky Bet Championship
Norwich City vs Blackburn Rovers. Sky Bet Championship.
Carrow RoadAttendance26,224.
Norwich City 2
- C Jerome (19th minute, 81st minute)
- M Dijks (sent off 21st minute)
Blackburn Rovers 2
- L João (73rd minute, 78th minute)
Norwich v Blackburn preview
Friday 10 March 2017 18:32, UK
Alan Irvine will take charge of Norwich as caretaker manager following the sacking of Alex Neil on Friday, as the Canaries host Blackburn.
The former West Brom boss could have Wes Hoolahan back in contention after he was not included for the midweek trip to Bristol City, while centre-half Timm Klose (back) is another to be assessed.
Neil had made four changes for the 1-1 draw with the Robins, so Michael McGovern could retain his place in goal, while winger Jacob Murphy will be hoping to earn a recall to the squad.
Midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu continues his recovery from a thigh problem, while forwards Nelson Oliveira (broken foot), Graham Dorrans (knee) and Matt Jarvis (hamstring) have all be sidelined. Louis Thompson's season is over following Achilles surgery.
Tony Mowbray will take a similar squad to Norfolk as he attempts to maintain his unbeaten start as Blackburn boss. Corry Evans (groin) has been in full training for a week and could be considered for a behind-closed-doors game next week as he looks to build up his fitness having not played in over two months.
Striker Sam Gallagher is fine despite receiving a knock shortly before coming off in midweek when Hope Akpan made his first appearance under Mowbray following suspension.
The new manager is unlikely to change a centre-back pairing of Charlie Mulgrew and Darragh Lenihan even though Tommie Hoban (shoulder) and Elliott Ward (ankle) are fit again.
Opta stats
Norwich have won the last three league meetings between the sides, all in the second tier.
Blackburn's only win in their last 11 away league trips to Carrow Road came in August 1999, a 2-0 win courtesy of a brace from Egil Ostenstad.
The Canaries have alternated between a draw and a defeat in their last five Championship games, drawing last time out against Bristol City.
Blackburn have won only two away league games this season, though these came against sides currently in the top 10 (Derby and Newcastle).
Norwich have conceded a league-high 18 headed goals this season.
Rovers have benefitted from a league-high four own goals this season.
