Norwich will entertain relegated Blackpool at Carrow Road on coronation bank holiday Monday as the Championship plays out its final fixtures of the season.
The Canaries have had an underwhelming campaign to say the least and mid-table seems to be a deserved spot for them. A run of just one victory in their last ten eliminated any slither of a hope of them putting together a play-off run and calls for sacking of members of the board were ringing out the last time Norwich played at home.
Dean Smith’s tenure was filled with abject performances and things haven’t really improved under David Wagner either. A 2-1 loss away to West Brom last time out officially ended Norwich’s play-off chances but it never really looked too promising for the majority of the season.
After surviving in the second tier last term under Neil Critchley, Blackpool have been unable to emulate that this season and their fate in League One next season has already been sealed. Despite giving it a good go at home to Millwall last time out, the Tangerines would suffer a 3-2 defeat that confirmed their position.
Stephen Dobbie’s side managed to pick up a 1-0 win away to Birmingham in their last outing on their travels but their away form has been terrible all season, having picked up just 17 points from 22 matches.
The hosts picked up a narrow 1-0 win in the reverse fixture last October courtesy of a Teemu Pukki effort. The Finnish forward has become a cult hero at Carrow Road since he joined the club in 2018 but he will finally be leaving East Anglia upon the expiry of his contract in the summer. Meetings between Norwich and Blackpool have been rare of late, with their last meeting in Norfolk coming back in 2015 as the Canaries ran out 4-0 victors.
Gabriel Sara has been the only real shining light for Wagner’s men and the 21-year-old is set for a bright future, registering 11 goal contributions in the league this term. It may be difficult to keep hold of the Brazilian in the summer. Jerry Yates has led the line well for the visitors, all things considered, and has managed to rack up a total of 14 goals in the Championship this term, also scoring against Millwall in his last outing. He will be the danger man for Blackpool on Monday.
Injuries have impacted Norwich all season and they will be without the likes of Grant Hanley, Ben Gibson, Kieran Dowell, Kenny McLean and Przemyslaw Placheta. Wagner has confirmed that Pukki will start in this one, allowing him to get the send off he deserves, while Joshua Sargent has been ruled out due to issues with his shin. Onel Hernandez will be available for selection, though, after missing the West Brom match.
Blackpool are also dealing with their fair share selection issues and will be without Gary Madine, Shayne Lavery, Charlie Goode, Liam Bridcutt, Jake Beesley, Ian Poveda and Kevin Stewart. Jordan Gabriel will also be sidelined and will require knee surgery, while Jordan Thorniley remains a doubt due to a groin issue.
Expert Insight: This match-up is the definition of a dead rubber and neither side has anything to play for. Full focus will now turn to next season but Norwich will want to give their home fans some consolation after an incredibly disappointing campaign.
Championship