“Massively underrated” – Norwich City urged to start £25k-a-week star v Stoke City.
This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features personal comments from FLW Fan Pundits on breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more.
Norwich City will visit Stoke City this weekend as Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side aims to return to winning ways.
The Canaries have not won any of their last three league games, leaving them four points behind the play-off places. This run of form has left them 12th in the standings, trailing just West Brom and Blackburn Rovers in the race for a top-six finish. Norwich drew 1-1 with relegation-threatened Hull City last time out, with Josh Sargent’s early second-half goal saving a point after falling behind at the MKM Stadium.
| Norwich City’s last five league results | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Opponent (Home or Away) | Result | ||
| Hull City (A) | 1-1 | ||
| Preston North End (H) | 1-0 loss | ||
| Derby County (H) | 1-1 | ||
| Watford (A) | 1-0 win | ||
| Swansea City (H) | 5-1 win | ||
Kenny McLean starting lineup claim
When asked what changes he would make to the lineup for the Stoke game, FLW’s Norwichfan pundit advised bringing Kenny McLean back into the squad immediately, if he is available. He believes the Scot adds experience and stability to their midfield, and that he is an important element of the starting lineup when available. “I think the only change I would make to our lineup from the last game would probably be [Jacob] Wright or [Jacob] Sorensen, more like Sorenson I would imagine, out for McLean if he’s back,” Downes said in a statement.
“I know [Marcelino] Nunez is also a bit doubtful, but McLean, if he’s healthy, I’d have him back in to bolster the midfield and gain more experience. “Because we always realise how much we miss McLean when he isn’t playing. “He’s hugely undervalued, and he’s an important component of our time and how we move the ball up the pitch. “So, that’s definitely one change I would make, if he’s available.”
Kenny McLean return would be a big boost for Norwich City
Thorup is apparently hoping McLean will be available for the Stoke game after missing the stalemate with Hull due to a sickness. Having him back would be a huge benefit to the squad, as he has proven to be a valuable contributor. He’s one of the club’s best earners – £25,000 per week, according to Capology – and with good cause. Nunez is another player that might return to the team this weekend, although Thorup may choose to keep both of them on the bench if they aren’t fully ready yet. Norwich must put this dismal form behind them immediately, or they risk falling too far behind in the play-off battle.
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