Norwich City will host league strugglers Bolton Wanderers at Carrow Road this weekend as they set to continue pace at the top of the table. They are closely followed by Leeds United, but the Canaries have opened up a sizeable five-point lead for the direct promotion spot.
Nothing less than three points would be expected out of Daniel Farke’s men in this fixture as the away side is currently reeling in the relegation zone. The visitors have picked up just two points in their last seven games, and they would have another tough fixture after this as they take on Leeds United next.
Team News
Matt Jarvis and Carlton Morris are yet to recover from their knee injuries. Louis Thompson is also out due to dislocation of the shoulder. Moritz Leitner is expected to be back after missing the last game with a calf injury.
Predicted Norwich City Lineup vs Bolton Wanderers
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Former World Cupper Tim Krul is set to continue as the no.1 in goal. He should be shielded by the defensive pair of Christoph Zimmermann and Timm Klose. The defence has looked shaky at times, but Bolton are not expected to provide much of a threat given their current league standing.
Jamal Lewis should start down the left, and he is expected to move forward at every given opportunity. His pace will definitely keep the opposition defenders busy. Max Aarons has also established himself in the right-back spot, and he should start in the fullback role.
Midfield
The experienced Alexander Tettey would start in the middle of the park, and he would be expected to keep things tight and moving in midfield. Moritz Leitner joined Carrow Road over the summer on a permanent basis and has firmly established himself as an essential midfielder in Farke’s setup. After missing out few games through a calf injury, he should be back in the lineup. Mario Vrancic who played in central midfield in the last match could play further up front in the attacking midfield role.
Emiliano Buendia has managed three goals and eight assists in all competitions so far and is one the most threatening player in the attacking third for the Canaries. He should start down the right. Onel Hernandez’s pace will be a significant headache for Bolton Wanderers, and he could start down the left flank.
Attack
Finland international Teemu Pukki has led the line with aplomb, and he has been in red-hot goalscoring form. The 28-year-old former Celtic forward has racked up 12 goals in all competitions so far and would look to produce the goods once again.
