Norwich City

Your thoughts on City's important win at Preston

Here are some of your views on the Canaries' vital 1-0 win at Preston in the Championship:

Vinny - David Wagner has done tremendously well considering he has spent the best part of the season without his talisman Josh Sargent and three months without chief support Jon Rowe. He deserves to have full backing from everyone connected to Norwich until the end of the season.

Top canary - It didn’t sound like a great performance but Norwich dug in, which is something which has been missing from a lot of our away performances this season. Great result against a battling Preston team. Two more wins secures a play-off place.

Jeremy - I think we all saw it coming as soon as Sir Johnny Rowe came on...

Alwyn - Forget the result against Wednesday, if you told me that we'd get seven points from Ipswich, Wednesday and Preston I'd have bitten your hand off. Pray we get Ipswich in play-offs. OTBC💪💪💪

Andy - I reckon four more points will be enough! Then, it's another game.

Here is the answer to our pre-match quiz.

We asked for the three mystery players who played in the Canaries' FA Cup win at Preston in January 2020.

They were:

Michael McGovern

Ibrahim Amadou

Moritz Leitner

Well done to all the people who got it correct.

You can watch highlights of the 4-2 win at Deepdale here.

David Fox's summary of Preston 0-1 Norwich

Norwich City moved closer to securing a Championship play-off place following a 1-0 win at Preston North End.

A late goal from Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara was enough to give City the three points. Two wins and a draw from their final three league games will guarantee a place in the play-offs.

Former Norwich midfielder David Fox was BBC Radio Norfolk's summariser for the match, here's what he had to say after the final whistle:

"When they (Norwich) had to stand up and take the sting out of the game, espeicially the last twenty minutes, I thought they were outstanding.

"They've got some very, very, very good technical footballers and when they do have that control, when they do keep that ball and work teams side to side -eventually they will get that opportunity."

He continued: "They (Norwich) had a player (Gabriel Sara) on the edge of the box who is outstanding at what he does - receiving on that back foot and driving at the goal. The finish is worthy of winning any game.

"I think we can see with the dejection of the Preston fans and the reaction of the Norwich bench just how important that win was.

"A blueprint of going forward - if we have got a play-off game, it's what an away performance can look like."

You can hear more from David Fox on Canary Call with Rob Butler here.

We want your views on Preston 0-1 Norwich

Norwich City took another big step towards the Championship play-offs with an excellent 1-0 win at Preston North End.

Gabriel Sara was the hero with a well taken 86th minute goal.

We want your views on the win.

How many points do Norwich need from their last three games to secure their play-off place, in your opinion?

Who was your man of the match at Deepdale?

Which opponents do you fancy in the play-offs?

Do you think the Canaries can finish 5th?

Get in touch here.

Image source, Getty Images

Norwich City striker Josh Sargent will start for the team in their Championship match at Preston North End on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The USA international had been described as an 'injury doubt' by head coach David Wagner in the build-up to the match at Deepdale.

Jonathan Rowe makes his return to the squad and is on the bench. Rowe hasn't played for the Canaries since February 2024 and has been out with a hamstring injury.

Swiss midfielder Christian Fassnacht will not be involved, with his wife due to give birth. Brazilian Pedro Lima comes into the squad to take his place amongst the substitutes.

You can listen to live commentary of the game with BBC Radio Norfolk.

• Preston North End have won just one of their last five league games against Norwich City (D3 L1), a 3-2 away win from behind last season

• Norwich City won this fixture 4-0 last season and are aiming to win back-to-back away league games against Preston North End in consecutive seasons for the first time

• Preston North End have won seven of their last 12 league matches (D3 L2), with their last two both coming via a three-goal margin (3-0 vs Rotherham, 4-1 vs Huddersfield)

• Norwich drew 2-2 with Sheffield Wednesday last time out despite leading 2-0. It’s the third time this season the Canaries have failed to win from two goals ahead in a league match this season, also doing so in 3-2 defeats to Leeds and Watford

• Preston’s Milutin Osmajic came off the bench to score a hat-trick in their last league match, a 4-1 win over Huddersfield. He was the first sub to score a Championship hat-trick since Nick Powell in April 2017 for Wigan against Barnsley

Here's this week's quiz, which has been devised by BBC Norfolk's Chris Goreham.

Norwich City had a memorable 4-2 FA Cup win at Preston in 2020, it was a special day for Adam Idah as he scored a hat-trick in his second start for the club.

Look at the picture above and get in touch with your guesses for the three missing players.

(The shirt numbers are not a clue!)

Norwich City Women defender Millie Daviss is a lifelong Canary fan.

She's been speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk's Rob Butler about the men's side and their push for play-off glory:

Daviss and her team are unbeaten all season with four games remaining.

The Canaries currently sit second in the National League Division One South East, seven points behind AFC Wimbledon.

City head to Haywards Heath on Sunday (14.00 GMT).

Here's part two of Norwich club captain Grant Hanley speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk's Rob Butler.

The 32-year-old has been out injured since March, he hopes to be back soon so he can make it to Euro 2024 with Scotland:

Opinion: 'Perspective is needed, but it works both ways'

Matthew Soakell, North East Canary

After a superb win at the weekend that extended Norwich City’s unbeaten run over Ipswich Town to 15 years, most City fans would’ve happily bought David Wagner a few pints and maybe even been willing to forget the frustrating season that we’ve had under him thus far. I love the usual craic that follows such a result; the inevitable mentions of keys to the city and lifetime contracts always make me smile, however after the elation of Saturday and frustration of Tuesday night’s dropped points in Sheffield, I think a little perspective is needed - in more than one way.

The draw at Portman Road in December felt huge at the time. Our win at the weekend was bigger and arguably much more impressive. Yes, avoiding defeat away from home in a derby is good, but the game could’ve been out of sight before we even got going. The reverse fixture just gone was quite the opposite. Ipswich were poor and Norwich were great. David Wagner’s home record is brilliant of late and Ipswich being the latest victims was just perfect. So brilliant is said record, that based on our last six games at Carrow Road, we’re top of the home form table with six wins and a goal difference of plus 13. At home I fancy us against anyone. We’re superb and credit to Wagner for it.

On the flip side is Norwich City’s away form. In our last six away games, our form has us in 18th place. One win, three draws and two losses. Okay, so only a third of those games have ended in defeat, one of which was to Leicester City, but Wagner’s away game tactics must be questioned. Negative shape and approach at Leicester and two points thrown away at second-bottom Sheffield Wednesday in consecutive away games only adds fuel to the fire of those questioning David Wagner’s tactical approach.

City’s head coach can’t be blamed for the missed chances at Hillsborough, of course - the game should’ve been put to bed before Wednesday even got a sniff of their first goal, there’s no denying that. That said, Wagner’s decision to leave Ashley Barnes up top as a lone striker, which we all know doesn’t work, was yet again bizarre, all while replacing Josh Sargent with midfielder Liam Gibbs. Sydney van Hooijdonk and Ken Aboh must’ve been wondering why they put their boots on and warmed up at all. Irrespective of the unfortunate injury which meant Gibbs only played a few minutes, Wagner’s thought process is at times incomprehensible. We then looked shell-shocked and it seemed that we shut up shop at 2-2, with Shane Duffy coming on for Borja Sainz. The away end was baffled.

And so it’s for these reasons that, whilst it’s a bold I appreciate, last night was the ultimate evidence for me that Wagner should be replaced in May irrespective of what happens. His in-game management, substitutions & record of defending leads away from home are all very poor - Tuesday night’s result took the number of points Norwich have dropped from winning positions away from home to over 20. This frankly isn’t good enough.

David Wagner is a lovely, charismatic man; someone we’ll always be thankful to for extending the unbeaten run over our Suffolk rivals, but unfortunately, at the same time just isn’t quite good enough to lead us to long-term success, it would seem. I hope he proves me wrong on Saturday away to Preston!

Norwich City club captain Grant Hanley says he hopes to be back from injury before the end of the season.

The Scotland international has only been involved in nine games this campaign after a disrupted return from a serious achilles injury which he sustained at the end of last season.

He last played for the Canaries on 6 March 2024 in the defeat at Middlesbrough.

You can watch part two of our interview with Hanley on this web page on Friday afternoon.

Hanley is speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk's Rob Butler.

Opinion: 'Play-off piste'

Susannah George

As things stand the Canaries are heading towards the Championship play-offs, not a road well-travelled in the club's history.

We should be fairly proud that the majority of our promotions from the Championship, or it's equivalent, have been automatic, and for the most part, those came from winning the division.

The Canaries have finished in 3rd place on three occasions, the first two of which were in the 74/75 and 81/82 seasons when a third place finish in the Second Division, as it then was, earned automatic promotion.

The other was the fond memory that was the 2014/15 season, where our third-place league position saw us see off our East Anglian rivals in the play-offs (naturally) and head to Wembley where we defeated Middlesbrough in style thanks to the stellar efforts of Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond.

To recall our only other foray into the Championship play-offs, you will need to cast your mind back two decades to 2001/02, when we edged into the top 6 on a goal difference of one over Burnley.

A lesser cherished memory as, whilst we successfully navigated play-offs against a Wolves side who just missed out on autos and finished 11 points ahead of City, we then went out on penalties against fifth placed finishers Birmingham at the Millennium Stadium in the final.

With third place already well beyond reach this season, City could find themselves finishing in an untrodden fourth or fifth should they make the play-offs. It goes without saying that many of us, given our incredible home form, would much rather have fourth given the choice.

The reality is that should we finish fifth or sixth, which is looking probable, we will not have the luxury of home advantage in the second leg. Should we be nervous if this is our fate? In the 2001/02 season the majority of our losses were also away from home and we still managed to emerge triumphant to make the final. It is, however, worth caveating that Wolves' home form was poor as well that season, with two of their away losses (of which there were only four) handed to them by division winners Manchester City and our very own Norwich City. So perhaps this result was not a surprise.

Turning to the present season, a fifth or sixth place finish as it stands would see us face Southampton or Leeds. Based on the meetings between our respective clubs this season, if Norwich are to weather the lack of second leg home advantage, Southampton looks the better of the two in terms of prospects (or Ipswich if by some happy misfortune their performances continue to dip on the back of their recent loss and draw).

Ultimately Norwich have not progressed to Wembley (2001/02 was the Millennium Stadium) for a Championship play-off final on the back of a fourth, fifth or sixth place finish much less without the second leg home advantage in the playoffs. Nor have we lost a Championship play-off final at Wembley.

This unknown quantity brings with it a multitude of emotions for the club and fans alike. But there is no reason to suspect that City will not thrive when it counts, as we did on Saturday in the derby. But if we are to get through the away leg of the playoffs with those all-important points, the role of the twelfth man cannot be underestimated. I have no doubt that if we replicate our efforts from Saturday and our trip to Portman Road back in December, we can get the boys home for another shot at Wembley glory. I for one am certainly up for starting another unbeaten run record.

Image source, Getty Images

Norwich City midfielder Liam Gibbs will miss the rest of the season due to a thigh injury.

The 21-year-old limped out of Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday just a few minutes after coming on as a substitute.

The news was confirmed on Thursday during David Wagner's press conference ahead of Saturday's Championship game against Preston North End.

Norwich City midfielder Gabriel Sara has had his say on the Canaries' final push for a Championship play-off place.

The Brazilian was speaking after the 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

City have four games left, starting with Preston North End away on Saturday.

You can listen to a full interview with Gabriel Sara here.

'I feel it was two points dropped' - Your thoughts on Norwich's draw at Wednesday

Here are some of your thoughts on the Canaries' 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday:

Jack - 10 out of 10 in the first half to two out of 10 in the second. Not enough praise for Wednesday, changed it up and got their rewards. Upped their game while we coasted, then seemingly panicked. Bullied on corners, which has been our gimmick of late.

Adrian - Pity the Canaries failed to capitalise on their first half lead against the Owls or were profligate with wasted opportunities in the second half, especially after the stunning weekend result. Perhaps David Wagner could have taken a leaf out of his fellow German manager’s book and made earlier substitutions. Why isn’t he giving the new Dutch striker (Sydney van Hooijdonk) playing time?

Eliot - Hugely disappointing result, but on the whole there was some good football, just needed better finishing. A win would have put us above West Brom and that is where our ambitions are now, chasing down fifth rather than hoping for sixth, which is some turnaround. Would have taken a total of four points from last two games, so can't be too glum. OTBC.

Phil - I feel it was two points dropped. We were dominant in the first half and had plenty of chances to kill the game off but didn't take them. We then concede two from identical corners, I don't understand why we didn't learn from the first one! Terrible defending. I think the manager is too negative away from home which allows the opposition to get on top.

Rupert - Regardless of Wagner’s reasons for taking off Sargent and Sainz during the second half, the team should have scored a hatful and were uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal. Ultimately, whilst the away form has to improve for playoffs to be secured, every point is valuable and on their day Norwich can beat almost any team in the division.

Graham - David Wagner has done a very good job considering the squad injuries etc. However, Sheffield Wednesday was two very vital points lost. I agree with resting Sargent when possible, but I would have swapped him with Sydney van Hooijdonk, and kept their defence on their toes, giving added height, whilst refreshing other positions with Gibbs, Fassnacht etc.

Opinion: 'If only we could play at Carrow Road every week'

Gary Gowers, My Football Writer - Norwich City, external

It would have been nice to have had a few more days to revel in Saturday’s derby victory but such is life in the Championship, you’re only permitted that luxury if you manage a big win as you head into an international break.

Where’s one of those when you need one?

But, as it transpired, despite heading to Hillsborough before the glow of derby day had subsided, the chance was there to prolong the feelgood factor. Right before our very eyes. Within touching distance.

Everything was in place: a 2-0 lead, a dominant performance, goalscoring opportunities still being created, Coventry losing at Southampton. The perfect chance to squeeze the throttle, put the game to bed and, in doing so, put clear water between us and the chasing pack.

And then David Wagner substitutes Josh Sargent for Liam Gibbs.

61 minutes of control followed by 36 minutes of trying to hold on to what we had. And it didn’t work.

Through no fault of anyone’s, Gibbs lasted just three minutes before having to be replaced by Christian Fassnacht, but the damage had already been done.

The change in dynamic brought about by taking off Sargent and shifting Ashley Barnes up top into the lone striker role didn’t work. It rarely does.

For all his many qualities, Barnes’ 34-year-old legs no longer allow him to offer a threat in behind defences. Simply not happening. And so in an instant, the Sheffield Wednesday back four could condense play by squeezing up the pitch, and City’s goal threat diminished to something near zero.

When those two late Wednesday goals went in, few City supporters were surprised. This was a scenario that has played out several times already this season – usually on the road, and always when City have a lead to protect.

The superb game management we revelled in on Saturday was missing last night. Again… it often is when we’re on the road.

Fortunately, the damage was limited by Coventry losing at St Mary’s but where once we would have taken a point at Deepdale this Saturday when we play Preston North End, it now feels as if only three will do.

And it all feels a bit self-inflicted. Another road trip where we come away feeling deflated because points have been squandered.

If only we could play at Carrow Road every week…

Image source, Getty Images

Norwich City head coach David Wagner said he was disappointed that his side surrendered a two-goal half time lead at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship on Tuesday.

The boss was speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk after the final whistle:

"I think apart from the two set-pieces which we conceded from, the players played fantastic offensively and defended super-well.

"Even in the second half, they competed when Sheffield (Wednesday) made it very ugly - long throw-ins, corners - they competed very very well."

He continued: "What was really disappointing and where we have to raise our hands is that we didn't kill the game.

"We had unbelieveable opportunities from the counter which we haven't used and this is what really cost us today.

"But apart from this - how we played football, how we created, how we defended, how we competed - top."

You can listen to a full interview with David Wagner here.

What do you think about City's draw at Sheffield Wednesday?

We want your views on the Canaries' 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship on Tuesday.

Was it two points dropped?

What could David Wagner have done differently to make sure his team saw the game out?

Are you worried about Norwich maintaining their play-off push with four games remaining?

Can you put your finger on why the team struggle away from home?

Get in touch here.

Leigh Bromby's thoughts on Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Norwich City

Norwich City surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

The Canaries are still in the play-off places and have a five point cushion over seventh-placed Coventry, although the Sky Blues do have a game in hand.

Former City and Wednesday defender Leigh Bromby was BBC Radio Norfolk's guest summariser, he had this to say after the final whistle:

"I did not see that coming at all.

"I was willing to put my money on Norwich scoring more goals, so that says where the game was. It came from nowhere.

"The only chance Sheffield Wednesday had to get back in the game was through set-pieces. Norwich will be disappointed but it's a win at the weekend and a draw away from home. They were actually very good today."

He continued: "You look at the individual performances, in moments they were outstanding. The only critique is they (Norwich) should have won the game 5-0."

You can hear more from Leigh on Canary Call with Rob Butler here.

Norwich City continue their Championship play-off push with a trip to relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

You can listen to live coverage with BBC Radio Norfolk on FM, DAB and Freeview.

Coverage begins at 19:00 GMT.

Here's our regular stat-check from OPTA ahead of the next Norwich game:

• Sheffield Wednesday have lost each of their last three league games against Norwich City, only once before losing more consecutively to the Canaries: four in a row between April 2001 and November 2002

• Norwich City have won their last two away league games against Sheffield Wednesday after only winning on one of their 14 visits to Hillsborough prior (D4 L9)

• Sheffield Wednesday have lost just one of their last six league games at Hillsborough (W3 D2), though are without a win in their previous two (D1 L1)

• Norwich have lost 10 of their 20 away league games this season (W5 D5), including two of their last three (W1); it’s their most in a campaign outside the top-flight since the 2016-17 Championship season (12)

• Norwich’s Gabriel Sara has been involved in four goals in his last five away league appearances (2 goals, 2 assists), netting in his last two such games against Stoke and Leicester