Norwich City is gearing up for their upcoming match against Oxford United as they aim to kick off the season on a positive note under new manager Johannes Hoff Thorup. The team is looking to put behind their disappointing play-off defeat and focus on their promotion aspirations in the Championship.
However, the squad has undergone significant changes in the off-season, with the departure of key players like Gabriel Sara to Galatasaray, and uncertainty surrounding the future of Jonathan Rowe and Adam Idah. The team’s pre-season results have also been less than ideal, with five winless games leading up to the season opener.
Thorup faces a couple of key dilemmas heading into the fixture against Oxford United. One major question is whether experienced defender Shane Duffy should start at center-back. With new signing Jose Cordoba nursing an injury, Thorup must choose between Duffy, Grant Hanley, and Brad Hills to form the central defensive pairing.
In midfield, the absence of Gabriel Sara poses another challenge for Thorup. The Brazilian’s influence in the midfield trio alongside Marcelino Nunez and Kenny McLean will be sorely missed. Thorup will need to find a suitable replacement from options like Jacob Sorensen and Liam Gibbs to fill the void left by Sara.
The team’s defensive and midfield setups will play a crucial role in determining their performance in the season opener. Thorup must strike a balance between experience and youth to field a competitive team against Oxford United. The match will be a test for the new manager and his revamped squad as they look to set the tone for the rest of the season.