Russell Martin is doubtful for Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie against Tottenham after suffering a back injury on Saturday. Picture: Paul Chesterton / Focus Images
Norwich City boss Chris Hughton ready to shuffle pack against Spurs
Paddy Davitt
Monday, October 29, 2012
12:41 PM
Chris Hughton admits he has a balancing trick to pull off this week with a Capital One Cup quarter-final place at stake against Tottenham.
The City chief has named an unchanged line up for the much-improved recent Premier League showings against Arsenal and Aston Villa, but Hughton plans to test the depth of his squad again ahead of Spurs’ midweek visit to Carrow Road.
“There will be changes – how many I don’t know yet,” he said. “I have to say that where I am fortunate is that I’ve got good options and we are not the type of squad that has got a best 11 that’s far better than those outside it.
“We’ve got a lot of players and when you look at the likes of (Robert) Snodgrass, (Jonny) Howson and (Andrew) Surman, these are all lads that have been regular starters. So I certainly will mix it up a bit.
“The balances are always a real tough one because I still would say Saturday’s game against Stoke is more important. But I understand we will have a big crowd on Wednesday against a top Premier League side.
“I’ve got a lot of faith in the squad we’ve got and the competition we’ve got, and when I have players that are chomping at the bit to play, the difficulty I have in picking the team and leaving players out, at times you’ve got to look for those opportunities and I will look for that on Wednesday.”
Defender Russell Martin looks set to be unavailable after being replaced at half-time against Villa with a back problem.
“He just felt it and certainly with the back it just tends to go into a little bit of a spasm,” said Hughton.
“I have got options midweek and let’s hope he is okay. I have to say Ryan (Bennett), even though I know he wasn’t under as much pressure with the ten men, I thought he did well.”
Martin’s likely absence and the temporary loan departure of Elliott Ward could force Hughton to consider another outing for Villa goal hero Michael Turner, who continues to bounce back from early adversity.
“I’m pleased for him because he is starting to hit a bit of form now and he is becoming more consistent,” said Hughton.
“I was disappointed with the goal we conceded because it was a soft goal. I thought they were a test, the two they have got up front. (Christian) Benteke and (Gabriel) Agbonlahor are two good players, two international players, and they test you and I thought we coped well with them, but a lapse of concentration for the goal was disappointing.”
More Sport news
- Ipswich Town fan Billy Bird vows to win over rivals with Epic boxing show
- John Bailey: How to combat a day of irritations
- Norwich-based Team CCN claim clean sweep at mountain bike regional championships
- Norwich City to play Mexican side Club Dorados de Sinaloa on USA tour
- Audio: Anthony Pilkington believes Norwich City can build on end to 2012/13 Premier League campaign
- Case for the defence was Norwich City’s core strength
- Norwich City boss Chris Hughton wary of throwing FA Youth Cup winners in at the deep end
- Cycling journalist Ned Boulting to sign copies of his new book at Waterstones in Norwich
- Poringland racer Josh Files marks Imola debut with a victory
- 750 Motor Club members get to try both circuits at Snetterton
ADVERTISEMENT
19 comments
I think Little Benno would make a good full-back, Lobbo. Honest.
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Brewer, me mate Elliott doesn't quite cut it in the prem. Any alternative would cost though. He tries hard but....now if he improved his crosses he'd earn his crust.
Report this comment
Lobbo
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Btw, in the header photo, is that Mr. S. Fry with the kingfisher blue marigold on? Nice work if you can get it. The guy with the latex surgical glove on looks like he`s ready to carry out a full body search. ;-)
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
You`re right there Kent Canary. And just think of all the extra £3 pies, expensive teas and grossly overpriced plastic-bottled lager they could`ve pushed out to the captive audience. I`ve had cheaper interval drinks in "posh" theatres! Drinkable ones, too. Then there`re the programmes...... Never mind, the game`s what matters and a Cup Run can be quite uplifting.
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
At £20 a seat there would have been a 'full house' and a great atmosphere, plus they would not have had to send out all these texts and emails trying to drum up custom. Being a bit too greedy here, Mr McN!!
Report this comment
Kent Anglian
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The transient feelgood factor born out of 2 successive games without losing may tempt a few more in. Most people expect Spurs to field a second-ish string though. My guess would be about 17,000 max if it`s not a nasty evening weather-wise. Sort of 1p5wich-sized attendance.
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
PPPS. Or Luke Seatwarmer? May the Force be with him.
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
anyone know how many tickets have been sold for this? I note under 12's have been reduced to £5 but adults remain at £30.
Report this comment
Chilly62
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
PPS. P`raps Mark could change his name to Luke Shufflebottom?
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
PS, Lobbo, Little Elliott is excelling in training just now! ;-)
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
How near to "proper" fitness are Whittaker & Butterfield? Like others, I fear Fox will be on the run come January, as might Surman? Both have new contracts though, so a few quid should be in order. I imagine Bunn might be another looking to move on. After all, there`s no way an ambitious young goalie would want to spend his career as a highly paid seat-warmer. Is there?
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
You are right canarydownunder, it could be a Hellraiser of a match if Holt goes up against Little Willy Gallas again, there certainly could be some Wigwam-bam. Sweet.
Report this comment
Swiss Canary
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I agree Swiss, that would be sweet in this block buster of a match. Its, its a goalmouth blitz?
Report this comment
canarydownunder
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I note that Mark Bunn doesn't even feature in the player profile section on City's official site. Is he even registered to play?
Report this comment
Lobbo
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
It's about time we saw Fox on the run, he needs a couple of games. The trouble is that CH has been struggling to find formula that works and we are probably still not there yet but there is a lot of competition in midfield.
Report this comment
Swiss Canary
Monday, October 29, 2012
Hope the likes of Fox and Surman get a run out. It's great that we have a good squad - better than last season - but I'm concerned that some players will look to go in the January window if they warm the bench for too long. I can just see PL come knocking on the door for the likes of David Fox......
Report this comment
Flying Canary
Monday, October 29, 2012
Bunn will probably be held back warming the bench until the run up for Easter, when he may be both hot and cross. Should he not be on the bench for this one, he will certainly find plenty of seats around the ground if he has a spare £30
Report this comment
Stew Pydsodd
Monday, October 29, 2012
Where does Mark Bunn fit into all of this?
Report this comment
Lobbo
Monday, October 29, 2012
i hope that butterfield gets a good runout in this match. time for him to be pressing for PL action.
Report this comment
goldeneadie
Monday, October 29, 2012