Norwich are looking to end their long wait for a Premier League victory when today when Leeds United visit Carrow Road.
The Canaries have endured a disappointing start to the season, so far only collecting two points from a possible 27. Last weekend’s 7-0 demolition by Chelsea was the nadir so far, and Norwich will hope that such a heavy and embarassing defeat will somehow spark them into life.
There have been few signs of an upturn being just around the corner, though. The underlying numbers do not make for positive reading: expected goals figures give Norwich the worst attack and the worst defence in the division. Another defeat this weekend would lead to serious questions being asked of Daniel Farke, despite his achievements in the Championship.
Leeds had no such struggles following their promotion in 2020, but the club’s supporters are beginning to fear second-season syndrome. Leeds rescued a point with a dramatic late equaliser against Wolves last time out, but they have still won only once in the league this term. Marcelo Bielsa’s thin squad looks stretched already, but a meeting with Norwich gives Leeds a golden chance to pick up another three points.
Leeds remain without Robin Koch, Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling, but Junior Firpo, Jamie Shackleton and Raphinha are available for selection.
Rodrigo Moreno will continue up front in Bamford’s absence, and Kalvin Phillips could return to the starting line-up after making it back onto the bench for the League Cup defeat by Arsenal in midweek.
Norwich will have to make do without the suspended Ben Gibson following his red card at Stamford Bridge. Billy Gilmour is available again after being ineligible to face his parent club last time out, although the Scotland international has struggled for game time of late.
Todd Cantwell and Przemyslaw Placheta need to be assessed, but Sam Byram and Christoph Zimmermann will definitely miss out.
Kick-off is at 2pm BST on Sunday 31 October