West Ham United face Norwich City at the London Stadium as the Premier League season rolls on this weekend.
The Hammers go into the game following back-to-back wins at Watford and Newport County in the Carabao Cup and will be brimming with confidence.
Norwich, however, have tasted defeat in their previous two outings against Chelsea and League Two Crawley Town in midweek.
Daniel Farke’s newly-promoted side still provide a lot of threat though, and perfectly demonstrated why they can’t be taken lightly against Newcastle United in game-week two.
I’ve caught up with Read Sport’s Norwich expert Daniel Emery ahead of the crunch clash to gain exclusive insight on Saturday’s opponents…
What have you made of Norwich’s start to the season?
Pretty much as expected. Defeats to two of last season’s top three and a win against another bottom-half team. We’ve played well in every match, but need to improve defensively if we’re to get anything against the top teams this season.
What is Daniel Farke’s style of play?
It’s very much a pressing-possession based system. Farke has his players set up to control the game in midfield and create chances with quick one-two’s and sharp inter-play between the attacking midfielders and Teemu Pukki, whilst also creating opportunities through pressing high and winning the ball in the final third.
How will it counter West Ham’s 4-1-4-1?
I’m not overly familiar with the intricacies of West Ham’s system, but I imagine Marco Stiepermann – Norwich’s central attacking midfielder – will look to press the holding midfielder in West Ham’s system and look to force mistakes in his passing, whilst the fullbacks – Aarons and Lewis – will try to force the wingers back as far as possible and limit West Ham’s attacking play by dominating the ball.
Norwich’s key players?
Teemu Pukki, of course, but also Emi Buendia and Ben Godfrey. Buendia is the creator in the side, splitting the lines with his passing and creating space by dribbling past players. Godfrey is pivotal to how Norwich build from the back, with his excellent range of passing and decision making at centre-back.
Main threats?
Again, Pukki and Buendia. Pukki already has five goals and an assist this season, whilst Buendia has two assists in three games so far. Buendia playing a ball through to Pukki will be a sight West Ham fans should be expecting to see on Saturday.
Main weaknesses?
One glaring one. Grant Hanley. The centre-back has been forced into action this season due to injuries to Christoph Zimmermann and Timm Klose and has been at fault for a number of goals in each of Norwich’s three games. If Sebastien Haller can isolate himself against Hanley, he will find a lot of joy against the Scottish defender.
Norwich’s aims for the season?
Like any newly-promoted side, to stay in the Premier League. However, Stuart Webber and Daniel Farke have consistently said that they set no specific aims, as there is no point in limiting yourself in your imagination. They will want to win every single game they play, unrealistic as it may be.
Score prediction?
3-3 (Haller x2, Diop – Pukki, Buendia, Leitner). From the little I have seen of West Ham this season, they seem similar to Norwich in that they are good going forward but open at the back. I expect plenty of goals and can see a high-scoring draw.
