Intro and Team News
IBO Reporter - channonite
|After a series of good performance, Saints have dragged themselves into a position where a win away at the hitherto hapless Norwich would put them firmly up the midfield part of the Premier League and within touching distance of the Europa League places (Yes, I know I am being over-optimistic!).
The big change at Norwich is the appointment of the former Aston Villa manager to replace Daniel Farke. Smith really has a point to prove with many feeling Villa were a bit trigger happy in their sacking of a man who had transformed the club during his time. Smith has taken on a real task in trying to save Norwich from what, even this early stage of the season, looks like certain relegation.
Ralph stated in his pre-match press conference that there were no additional injuries to worry about, with only the continuing absence of Jack Stephens. In between that statement and the naming of the teams, Nathan Redmond became a father and was given time off. Also Stuart Armstrong picked up a slight knock and was left out of the squad completely.
Ibrahima Diallo has become an integral part of Saints midfield this season, even if he doesn't yet start every match
Norwich
- 1 Krul - Booked 90'
- 2 Aarons
- 5 Hanley
- 4 Gibson
- 21 Williams - Booked 64'
- 8 Gilmour (Rupp 86')
- 16 Normann - Booked 90'
- 23 McLean
- 17 Rashica (Tzolis 90')
- 22 Pukki
- 14 Cantwell (Sargent 45')
Substitutes
- 7 Rupp
- 11 Placheta
- 18 Tzolis
- 20 Lees-Melou
- 24 Sargent
- 28 Gunn
- 30 Giannoulis
- 35 Idah
- 44 Omobamidele
Southampton
- 1 McCarthy
- 21 Livramento
- 35 Bednarek - Booked 64'
- 22 Salisu
- 2 Walker-Peters - Booked 71'
- 27 Diallo
- 8 Ward-Prowse
- 6 Romeu (Lyanco 73')
- 24 Elyounoussi (Broja 57')
- 9 A Armstrong
- 10 Adams (Walcott 62')
Substitutes
- 4 Lyanco
- 7 Long
- 15 Perraud
- 18 Broja
- 20 Smallbone
- 23 Tella
- 32 Walcott
- 43 Valery
- 44 Forster
