Norwich City will welcome Blackburn Rovers to Carrow Road on Sunday in the FA Cup for a third-round tie.
The two Championship clubs are battling for a place in the promotion playoffs but will play in the FA Cup this weekend as the league takes a break. Blackburn are third in the Championship and chasing automatic promotion. However, they may need to be content with a place in the playoffs.
Norwich City are desperate to reach the playoffs and return to the Premier League. The club has just hired former Huddersfield, Schalke, and Young Boys manager David Wagner.
The Canaries sacked Dean Smith on December 27 after a poor run of form in the Championship. Wagner arrived in England on Thursday and may not be able to take a full training session before Sunday’s game.
Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers met in November at Carrow Road with the latter picking up a 2-0 win. Blackburn’s win came during a four-game winless streak, which influenced the club to sack Smith.
Ben Gibson scored an own goal to put Blackburn Rovers in front after just four minutes. Blackburn’s Tyrhys Dolan added a second with four minutes left in the game.
Norwich City should benefit from a bounce with Smith no longer at the club. Wagner’s arrival should give the players a new desire to perform, as each member of the squad wants to keep their place in the side.
The Canaries have a record of 5W-6D-5L this season at Carrow Road. They have a +3-goal difference at home this term.
Five of Blackburn’s last seven games in all competitions ended as defeats. Rovers are slumping at the moment. Rovers have a 6W-1D-8L record away from Ewood Park this season. Blackburn have a –6-goal difference on the road this term.
Although Blackburn won 2-0 at Carrow Road earlier this season, Blackburn were unbeaten in eight straight games in all competitions. Norwich City’s Aaron Ramsey is ruled out with a knee injury.
Midfielder Jon Rowe is a doubt with an ankle injury. Midfielder Jakob Sorensen is a doubt with an ankle issue.
Jon Dahl Tomasson will be without defender Callum Brittain due to an MCL injury. Midfielder Sam Barnes is a doubt with a knee problem.
Norwich City should get a new-manager bounce on Sunday, as they defeat Blackburn 2-1. Rovers are not in good form and are slumping in all competitions. The Canaries should get the win and get some momentum for Wagner.