Norwich City

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Borja Sainz is available for Norwich City’s home game against Rotherham on Saturday after his red card at Middlesbrough was rescinded.

Sainz was sent off in the game on Wednesday for alleged violent conduct. That dismissal has been overturned by the Football Association following an appeal by the Canaries.

The Spanish winger avoids a four-match ban and will be in the squad for the match against the Millers at Carrow Road.

Your thoughts on Sainz red card appeal

We asked for your views on Norwich City deciding to appeal against Borja Sainz's red card at Middlesbrough, here are some of your thoughts:

Simon - The red card was a farce. In fact, I initially thought Howson was the perpetrator until Borja walked off. Borja was spun around due to the impact and could not have put his feet in any other position. When Howson went past him Borja was holding on to his own leg in pain. The ref got it so wrong. He even let two blatant hand balls go.

Freddie - Has to be appealed, such a poor call from the referee and had such a drastic impact and overall ruined the match. Sainz shouldn’t be let off though, silly decision to lash out, whether he fully intended it or not. He needs to just learn to control his discipline levels a tad, as he’s such a talented player - now where have I heard that before? ;)

Bridget - Has to be appealed. Could be season defining. Ridiculous decision given Jonny Howson wasn’t even booked for the initial challenge!

Dale - Yes, I do think it's right to appeal. It was too harsh, maybe a yellow. It just spoiled a good game. Maybe the referee needed to be in the news and have his name in print!

Middlesbrough midfielder Jonny Howson has had his say on the incident that led to Norwich winger Borja Sainz being sent off on Wednesday:

Norwich City have appealed to have the red card overturned.

It's been announced that the Norwich City versus Ipswich Town game at Carrow Road on Saturday 6 April will kick off at 12.30 GMT.

The game was originally scheduled to kick off at 15.00 GMT on that day, but has been moved for television coverage.

The Canaries have confirmed that they have lodged an appeal to overturn Borja Sainz's red card during the defeat at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

A statement on the official club website says: "Sainz was shown a straight red card for violent conduct by referee Robert Madley, following an incident with Middlesbrough captain Jonny Howson in the 30th minute of the game.

"After reviewing video footage of the incident and speaking with Borja, the club believes there is sufficient evidence to overturn the decision."

As things stand, Sainz would serve a suspension which means he would miss the next four games, starting with the visit of Rotherham to Carrow Road on Saturday.

Do you think City are right to appeal against the decision? Get in touch here.

Norwich City missed the chance to move into the Championship play-off positions as they lost 3-1 at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

The big talking point during and after the game was Borja Sainz's sending-off in the 30th minute.

City midfielder Kenny McLean had his say on the incident after the game:

David Fox's thoughts on Middlesbrough 3-1 Norwich City

Norwich City's play-off hopes were dented following a 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

The Canaries went down to ten men in the first half when Borja Sainz was given a straight red card after appearing to kick out at Boro captain Jonny Howson.

Former City midfielder David Fox was the summariser on BBC Radio Norfolk, here are some of his full-time thoughts:

"You can look at the performance with eleven men and I thought they were very, very good. For an away performance to control the ball the way they did, to go one-nil up.

"You could sense the tone around the stadium, the fans were getting restless, Norwich had them."

He continued, "There was plenty in that first 30 minutes to be positive about. The following 60 minutes after the sending off, I think there will be disappointment.

"I don't know whether the players felt a little bit hard done by and aggreived by things, but just because you go down to ten men - it doesn't mean you have the divine right to lose the game."

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

Image source, Getty Images

Time for the answer to our pre-match quiz now, here's a reminder of the question:

During the 2015 play-off final between Norwich City and Middlesbrough, five players featured on the pitch who have played first team football for both clubs.

Can you name all five?

The answers are:

Patrick Bamford

Jonny Howson

Ben Gibson

Daniel Ayala

Gary O'Neil

Well done if you got the question right.

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of Wednesday’s game between Middlesbrough and Norwich City, here are some statistics provided by OPTA:

• Middlesbrough have won each of their three league meetings with Norwich City since the beginning of last season and could win four in a row against the Canaries for the first time

• Norwich City have won three of their last four away league games against Middlesbrough by the same 1-0 scoreline, though did lose this fixture 5-1 last season

• Middlesbrough are winless in their last five home league games (D2 L3), and could lose three on the bounce for the first time since April 2022 under Chirs Wilder

• Norwich have won only one of their last seven away league games (D3 L3), while they’ve conceded at least one goal in their previous 15 away league games (29 in total)

• Norwich manager David Wagner has lost all four of his previous Football League meetings with Middlesbrough; it’s the most he’s faced a side in the Football League while losing every encounter

Norwich City head coach David Wagner has been speaking about Middlesbrough's recent form ahead of the two sides meeting in The Championship on Wednesday (19.45 GMT).

Boro have only won once in their last seven league matches.

Our pre-match quiz is all about a famous day for the Canaries, see how you get on:

During the 2015 play-off final between Norwich City and Middlesbrough, five players featured on the pitch who have played first team football for both clubs.

Can you name all five?

Send your guesses here.

Opinion: 'On the Bawl, City'

It’s been a weird old season down Norwich way. Netflix must be kicking themselves for not basing themselves in NR1 for this campaign.

Just imagine it. Netflix presents… “On the Bawl, City”. (They can have that one for nothing).

So, to summarise… first, we were okay, then we were rubbish, then we were kind-of-OK but (it felt like) everyone hated each other, then Delia told us we’re ‘whiners and moaners’, then we swapped sporting directors and improved, then David Wagner told some supporters to stay home, and now, despite it all, we find ourselves just a point shy of the playoff places with 11 games to go.

Make of that what you will.

While we have the same number of points we had after 35 games last season and are one place worse off, it feels different this time around in a good way. (Famous last words?)

For a start, we have a striker who is ticking along at a goal-per-game and, whether folk in the River End like it or not, from the ashes of our bleak autumn and mid-winter, a style of play has finally emerged that appears to be striking that tricky balance between attacking football and defensive solidity. (More famous last words?)

Amid it all, and triggered by the aforementioned outburst by Wagner when he blew his lid as a result of some booing, a call for calm betwixt club and supporter (or some supporters) was proposed by the Canaries Trust and largely heeded. Since said intervention, the Carrow Road atmosphere has markedly improved and there’s even a sense of bonhomie in the Norfolk air.

Except, for a few, this is not enough.

The call for calm appears only to have been heeded by those of us deemed ‘whingers and moaners’. Those who were spared Delia’s ire and who remain staunchly loyal to her and the club, still appear determined to maintain an ‘us and them’ divide.

At the weekend, a minor incident involving Kenny McLean, who had a pop at some Carrow Road fans who were having a pop at him – the type you see in most grounds at some point during every season – was discussed by many and is still being mentioned four days later.

After the same game, Wagner did an impersonation of a stereotypical Norwich fan urging his players to “get it forward” but, again, it did little to smooth the same fractious relationship we’re all trying to mend.

The funny thing is, as mentioned earlier, the Carrow Road crowd has heeded the call for calm and more fervent support. The response has been nothing but positive. Noise levels are better and moans generally few and far between.

But if Team Delia are awaiting a home crowd that shows not the slightest hint of discontent at any point in any game, regardless of what they are watching, then they could be in for a very long wait.

The passion that comes with being a football supporter renders that impossible. Sorry.

Maybe season 2023-24 NCFC-style is destined to be fractious to the bitter end after all.

Norwich City striker Josh Sargent has made an explosive return to action since recovering from a long-term injury in December 2023.

The USA international has scored eight goals in 12 games.

Canaries' head coach David Wagner says 'Sarge' is one of the best forwards he has ever worked with:

Professional singer and Norwich City fan Leon Mallett was the special guest on this week's Scrimmage.

This led to a sing-off with Chris Reeve. Ear-plugs at the ready for when he sings!

You can listen to the full podcast here.

More of your views on Norwich City

Here's some more of your recent thoughts on the Canaries.

David Wagner has amused some supporters with his impression of an "English football fan":

Leigh - As usual, his comments are correct. I just wish he’d done a Norfolk accent when he said it. “Naark ut laarng!”

Simon - My thoughts, like many Norwich supporters who pay each season: Wagner, we cannot play from the back, the players do not have the skill-set to do it. Check your record and you will see we have conceded too many goals from poor defence mistakes.

Lisa - Norwich certainly have a patience-and-pounce style of play - they have their own way of moving up the pitch and ultimately getting the ball over the line. It might not be fast and forthright, but they nearly always find a way to score.

Mike - When we did put the ball in the box we scored - enough said!

Shirley - I think he is wrong. What we want to see is players going forward and scoring goals , that’s entertainment which is what we go for!

Frosty - It was not about playing the ball forward quicker but having the vision to see a player in space. A little later after the incident it was played into the space and a cross led to the goal. This is what is frustrating - the lack of vision. It happened a lot on the first half as well when Stacey had lots of space but was not given the ball.

Justin - With respect to the McLean incident, the issue was not about getting the ball into the box, it was about moving the ball quicker and looking for players in space. I have been to nearly every home game and it is always the same. They never see the players on the touch line on the opposite side of the dugout.

The Scrimmage co-host Chris Reeve has been singing the praises of Norwich City defender Ben Gibson.

The centre-back will line up against his old club Middlesbrough when the Canaries head to the North-East on Wednesday in The Championship (19.45 GMT).

You can listen to the full Scrimmage podcast here.

Your views on Norwich City 1-0 Sunderland

We asked for your views on Norwich City's vital win over Sunderland at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Also, we asked for your thoughts on midfielder Kenny McLean appearing to gesture towards a small group of supporters in the South Stand. They were seemingly telling him to play the ball quicker.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Josh - We just need to keep winning games and hopefully we can secure play-offs. Good job Kenny.

Steve - There were many times Norwich stopped the ball and looked around rather than play the ball quickly, so I expect that was a managerial instruction. As for Kenny, he got the ball back about 30 seconds later and did make that pass, getting a cheer from the crowd. All mended now.

Freddie - Delighted we were able to grind that result out in a game that certainly wasn’t pretty. 12 wins out of 18 now at home and that could be what gets us over the line. Really favourable run of matches now for the rest of the month. It’s our spot to lose, and now given the fact we’re unbeaten in six, why don’t we belong in that top six? Dare to dream.

Nick - We were right to shout at the team, he was right to gesture. He was also man of the match in my opinion (goodness knows how they chose Sainz).

Barry - As a lifetime supporter I can see why the frequent passing back when there are clearly options of more attacking passes gets negative reactions. If supporters are so engrossed in the game, such thoughts can quickly turn into words. I could never accept unkind words being uttered, but supporters have a right to voice some thoughts such as that.

Chris - Grinding out results. Our fans seem to easily forget we won so many games under previous managers with late goals. We are in great form heading for the play-offs and our fans are not happy - just seems really strange. Keep doing what they’re doing, if you ask me!

David - Even though I have a better view of the the pitch than Kenny McLean, the evidence shows that he can spot the pass better than I can. He also has a better football brain than me. I am sure that Kenny won't let it bother him too much; we all want to see the ball in the net. But as Wagner said, we are not all players or managers.

Tulsa - You learn far more from a gritty, resilient 1-0 win than you do from comprehensive victories. The result against Sunderland has made me more confident about reaching the play-offs than the wins against Watford & Cardiff. I firmly believe we can win all our remaining home games. Win a couple of the away games as well and that might just be enough.

John - Re fans booing and being abusive towards players - this “I’ve paid my money, so I’m entitled to say what I want” argument is childish rubbish. There are loads of places you pay to get into, but that doesn’t entitle you to go around shouting at the staff.

Martin - People should get off David’s Wagner’s back. He is a good manager and seems like a really nice guy. So give him a chance. We should also give Sydney van Hooijdonk more game time. Get him up to speed. Not sure we are ready for the play-offs. But I will be behind the team no matter what.

Norwich City head coach David Wagner has been speaking to the media ahead of the Middlesbrough game on Wednesday (19.45 GMT).

Here are some of the key points:

• Midfielder Kenny McLean is "nearly back to normal" following back problems

• Chilean international Marcelino Nunez could make the squad for Boro but is more likely to be back for Rotherham game on Saturday

• Winger Onel Hernandez does not require any further surgery on his broken foot but will still be out until the end of the season

• "We really liked how we defended and how high up the pitch we kept our line." Wagner said he was happy with the performance against Sunderland

• Wagner said despite recent results for Boro, his side won't underestimate them

• Norwich were thrashed at Middlesbrough last season,Wagner says that was a different time and both clubs are in different situations now

• On Ben Gibson: "He has shown a different style in his game recently." Gibson began his career at Middlesbrough and was born in the town

• On Josh Sargent: "He ranks as maybe the best (I have worked with). I still think he is not on his top level fitness-wise but he is on the way. He is the complete striker with all the attributes he has"

Opinion: Plotting a route to the top six

Steve Sanders, NCFC Numbers, external

And so, with 11 games of the regular season to go, Norwich City find themselves on 55 points after a tight but important win against a play-off rival.

A statement that’s true today, but one that would have been 12 months ago too. Following their win at Millwall, the Canaries were on exactly the same points tally at exactly the same stage.

City fans will hardly need reminding, but what followed in 2023 was faintly catastrophic, with the seven points they mustered from that point their worst tally in the final 11 games of a season outside the top flight for 59 years.

That nightmare run started with a chastening 1-0 defeat at home to Sunderland, and the Canaries reversal of that result on Saturday – thanks to Josh Sargent’s four-touch foxtrot and improvement of his mad minutes-per-goal record this season , external– at least helped put the Black Cats in the rearview mirror. Last season’s win at Carrow Road put them within three points of Norwich City, a deficit they’d overhaul on their way to sixth place. After yesterday, they are a distant eight points behind Norwich City, who sit in seventh.

There’s one difference from this stage last year at least. That aforementioned win at the New Den in 2023 lifted the Canaries into the play-offs after 35 games, whereas this year they are still a point behind Hull in 6th.

What might we realistically need then? Well, in the last 30 years, the points total for the team finishing in sixth has averaged out at 73.5 (that Sunderland team last season were only the second in those 30 seasons to get there with fewer than 70). However, this is looking like it could be a lower than average year – thanks in part to the relentless work of the top four, and a more keenly fought relegation battle.

So much of this is dependent on what Norwich City’s play-off rivals – West Brom, Preston, and Hull in particular – do from hereon in of course, but if it goes the way of history, then 74 points might well be enough. That’s 19 more from the final 11 games, or a record of 5-4-2.

As fate would have it, their two upcoming fixtures this week are repeats of two of their most ruinous in the eleven game denouement in 2022/23: Middlesbrough away and Rotherham at home. To finish by stating the obvious; copy the 5-1 defeat and 0-0 draw from those games last year, and that 19-point goal is going to look significantly trickier.

Reevo Reacts - reflecting on a huge win for Norwich City

Here's the first of a brand new feature on the BBC Sport Canaries page - Reevo Reacts.

BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Reeve gives his first thoughts on City's important 1-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.

You can hear more from Chris when he joins Rob Butler and special guests for The Scrimmage at 18.00 GMT on Monday, the podcast available here.