Norwich v Newcastle

By Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle have problems in defence as Steven Taylor and Mike Williamson are definitely out and Fabricio Coloccini is a major doubt.

Danny Guthrie and Cheick Tiote are also missing, but Jonas Gutierrez is back after suspension.

Norwich defender Zak Whitbread could return from a long-term hamstring injury.

Manager Paul Lambert remains without James Vaughan, Ritchie de Laet and Elliott Ward.

MATCH PREVIEW

The first meeting between these two teams in six-and-a-half years provides an opportunity for both to get back to winning ways. Whilst Norwich were soundly beaten at Manchester City, which is no disgrace, Newcastle’s reverse at home to Chelsea will still have been a source of frustration throughout the week.

Referee Mike Dean’s admission that he should have sent off David Luiz in the first five minutes will have been little comfort for Alan Pardew, who tasted defeat for just the second time in 17 Premier League matches. The question now is how they will respond at Carrow Road, where only Arsenal and West Brom have been victorious so far this season.

Particularly, as for the very first time this season, they are forced to break up their back five due to the long-term absence of Steven Taylor. Defensive stability and familiarity has been the foundation for their impressive start to the campaign, but now they face another test of the depth of their squad. It’s worth remembering too that Demba Ba – who has scored nine of their 19 goals so far – departs for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

If we were taking an honesty test who really thought Norwich would have 16 points on the board after 14 games? Paul Lambert certainly would have taken it back in August and it’s given them a platform to compete from an early stage.

Whilst they will be aware of the likes of Hull and Blackpool in recent years, who after showing impressive form up to Christmas fell away badly in the second half of the season, they will be boosted by the fact they’ve been competitive in every game with the exception of last weekend at the Etihad Stadium.

Newcastle’s spirit and togetherness has been there for all to see this season; they’ll know a trip to East Anglia is another strong examination of it.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• This is the 47th meeting between the clubs. Newcastle have won 19 times, Norwich 14 and there have been 13 draws.
• The last time the teams met was in the 2004-05 Premier League season. After a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park, Norwich won 2-1 at Carrow Road courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from Dean Ashton and an earlier 45-yard strike from Youssef Safri.

Norwich

• Norwich have scored the joint-most headed goals in the top division (seven, along with Chelsea).
• Only Bolton have allowed their opponents more shots on goal this season in the top flight.
• Striker Steve Morison has scored four goals in his last five games.
• Grant Holt is one goal short of 50 in the league for Norwich. He has 49 goals in 97 league matches for the club.
• Norwich have conceded more goals than any other team outside the bottom three.

Newcastle

• Newcastle have conceded seven goals in their last three matches. They let in just eight in their first 11 games.
• The Geordies hit the target with only three of their 17 shots against Chelsea last Saturday.
• They have made more tackles this season (302) than any other Premier League club.