After the Bristol Rovers match was postponed, tiredness will not be an excuse against a strong Norwich side.
Walsall Team News:
Steve Jones will still me missing for the Saddlers as he bids to return to action after a groin injury.
Skipper Mark Hughes will make his return after suspension to partner Manny Smith at the back, as well as Troy Deeney getting the chance to shine again after his brace saved the Saddlers in our last game against Leyton Orient.
Player to watch: Troy Deeney
He will want to resume his strong form after rescuing the Saddlers against Leyton Orient. Both he and Darren Byfield will provide us with a threat upfront to combat the Norwich defence.
Norwich Team News:
Gary Doherty is the only player to return for the away side to start at the heart of the defence.
Otherwise, Canaries manager Paul Lambert should field the same side that beat Millwall 2-0 on Boxing Day.
Player to watch: Grant Holt
The experienced midfielder will try and run the midfield for Norwich and will be looking to add to his brilliant strike from the 2-0 win at Millwall.
Whoever starts in midfield for the Saddlers will need to overpower his presence to win the game.
Match Facts & Stats
The last time these two teams met at the Banks’s was back in November 2003, where a Peter Crouch brace meant the Saddlers were condemned to a 3-1 home defeat. The first encounter of this season ended in a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road.
Ref Watch:
TBA
Match Prediction:
My thought with this one is that it could really go either way. Norwich are in my mind evens favourites to win, but on our day, we can beat the big sides at the Banks’s and we will give it our all. The Canaries will be tired from Boxing Day and the Saddlers will be fresher so this could be to our advantage. 1-0 Saddlers.
