Norwich XI vs Preston prediction including Sainz and no Hernandez
The possible lineup that could be chosen by David Wagner on Saturday.
Norwich City return to Championship action this afternoon as they host struggling Preston North End at Carrow Road, looking for a fourth win in five games.
The opponents arrive at the match after three consecutive defeats and David Wagner’s team has the chance to inflict even more suffering on Ryan Lowe and his men.
The Canaries have averaged 39% or less ball possession in each of their last three league games, which have produced two wins and one defeat, and may be looking for more control to produce a convincing performance.
To do this, Wagner could make some changes to the starting eleven that featured in the latest away win against Bristol City last Sunday.
With that in mind, here is the possible Norwich line-up that could be selected to face Preston at home today…1 Angus Gunn
Angus Gunn started between the sticks and is expected to retain his position in the team after a strong performance on his return against the Robins.
The Scotland international made two crucial saves in the first half to keep his team in the game and earn a score of 7.7.2
Jack Stacey At right-back, Jack Stacey could make his 18th appearance of the Championship season since joining the Premier League from Bournemouth on a free transfer, ahead of the inexperienced Kellen Fisher.23/24 Championship (via Sofascore) Jack Stacey Kellen Fisher Appearances19 Four Sofascore Review6.936.75 Duel success rate 52%58%Key passes per game1.10.8 Tackles per game2.21.33 Shane Duffy
Shane Duffy retained his place at the heart of the defense after putting in a confident defensive performance against Bristol City on Sunday.
The Ireland international won seven of his nine duels over the 90 minutes, including six of his seven jumps, and scored six clearances. 4Kenny McLean
Kenny McLean started in an unfamiliar centre-back position last weekend, but he adapted to it easily as the Scotland international put in an impressive performance.
He was brought in as a replacement for Danny Batth to provide left-footed balance and good ball control from defense, which ultimately paid off in stoppage time with his assist for Adam’s winning goal Idah.5 Dimitrios Giannoulis
The Greece international is expected to start at left-back ahead of Sam McCallum after overcoming an injury against Bristol City on Sunday.
Dimitrios Giannoulis limped off the field in the last match after a tough challenge in the second half and Wagner has since confirmed the full-back will be available for selection against Preston.6Marcelino Núñez
McLean’s new role as a central defender and the prolonged absence of Adam Forshaw have presented central midfielder Marcelino Nunez with a great opportunity to secure his place in the team.
The Chile international has only started four league matches so far this season and a strong performance against Preston could see Wagner give him more confidence for the future.7 Gabriel Sara
Perhaps the easiest decision Wagner has to make is to select Gabriel Sara in midfield alongside Nunez, as the Brazilian wizard has been in fantastic form this season.
He has scored five goals, eight assists and eight ‘big chances’ in 19 league starts for the Canaries so far in the 2023/24 season.8th Christian Fassnacht The first change that could be made to the eleven would be the return of Christian Fassnacht to the starting eleven in place of Onel Hernandez, who started on Sunday on the left.
Norwich’s summer signing could return and start on the right, which would then allow Jonathan Rowe to move to the left after Hernandez’s disappointing form.
The Cuban international went seven games without a goal or assist and his last goal at Carrow Road came against Manchester United in a 3-1 defeat in October 2019.
Fassnacht has scored three goals in 11 league appearances this season, including one in the last three games, and could therefore pose a greater threat on the wing.9Borja Sainz
The second change that could be made to the XI is for Spanish striker Borja Sainz to take the place of Liam Gibbs as part of the dynamic attacking duo in Wagner’s system.
Interestingly, the summer signing came off the bench in that position against Bristol City and was able to make the most of his talent to find the back of the net.
Sainz, who scored against Fulham in the League Cup earlier this season, scored nine goals in 32 Super Lig appearances for Giresunspor last season.
Gibbs, on the other hand, has scored one goal and zero assists in 43 league appearances for Norwich since the start of last season, which does not suggest he is likely to have a significant impact on the game in the forward position.10Jonathan Rowe Another simple choice for Wagner is to start Rowe wide.
The England Under-21 international is a constant threat to defenders with his direct running and pace, supported by seven goals and one assist in the league.11Adam Ida
The third and final change that could be made to the XI is the addition of Adam Idah for Ashley Barnes, who has now gone seven games without a goal or assist.Championship 23/24 (via Sofascore)
Adam IdaAshley BarnesShows18TenStart
Eight Nine GoalsSix Two Assist A A Get a success rate 80%76% Sofa Score rating6.876.82As you can see from the table above, the Republic of Ireland international was more productive than the former Burnley man in the final third, even though he played eight more games.
Idah showed fantastic pace, strength and composure to score the winner in the last game against Bristol City and should be rewarded with a start in front of the home crowd this afternoon.
Wagner recently described the academy graduate as a “dangerous” replacement for Norwich, but Barnes’ poor form in front of goal suggests they need the Irishman from the start while Ui-jo Hwang and Josh Sargent are injured.
