Chris Goreham's pre-match quiz is all about assists this time:
Gabriel Sara has nine assists in the league for Norwich City this season, then four players are tied on four each. Can you guess which ones?
Norwich City play Sunderland on Saturday and BBC Radio Norfolk's Rob Butler has spoken to a man who managed both clubs.
Alex Neil led the Canaries to glory in the Championhsip play-off final in 2015, he also took Sunderland into the Championship with a play-off win at Wembley in 2022.
He began by talking about his fond memories of managing City:
Alex Neil was Norwich City manager from 2015 to 2017
Part two of the interview with Alex Neil will be available on this page on Friday afternoon.
Image source, Getty ImagesNorwich City won the 2015 Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium
Matthew Soakell, North East Canary
I have conflicting feelings about the Championship play-offs and more specifically Norwich City’s chances of getting there and what might happen should we make it.
Much like 1997 Natalie Imbruglia, I’m torn! I obviously want us to do well from here until the end of the season, but the prospect of going up and being in the Premier League again brings with it some bad memories that I’m still yet to shake off. I can’t be the only one, surely?
“We haven’t even reached the play-offs yet and you’re complaining about two - potentially three - hypothetical games! What’s wrong with you?” some of you may be thinking. That’s fair, but as mentioned last week, Norwich’s run-in is certainly more favourable than those also competing for play-off places. This gives me lots of optimism that in the twelve games remaining, we can claim fifth or sixth spot. Our home form is good, we’re not losing away and an unbeaten run in February, plus the seven points mustered in January, mean we’re looking decent at the moment. There’s every chance we sneak into the play-offs! But this is where I start to get sweaty palms…
The last two Premier League seasons that Norwich have competed in - I use the word 'competed' lightly - haven’t exactly been the most pleasant of experiences, have they? We still have some scars and haven’t quite mastered recruitment at either attempt when previously promoted. And with the three teams promoted from the Championship to the Premier League all currently occupying the bottom three places at the time of writing, there’s a part of me that asks ‘Do we even want to go up at all?’
Would we witness repeats of the 19-20 and 21-22 seasons?
How would we compete financially?
Would David Wagner be the man for the job if we got promoted?
We couldn’t change head coach if we got promoted, could we?
There are so many questions that make me feel conflicted about what might happen if we were to reach Wembley and make it two play-off final wins from two. It’s a really strange feeling to have, and I appreciate I may get pelters for even publishing such thoughts, but I’m very much torn between wanting success and the thrill of the play-offs in the coming months and also wanting a reset at the club over the summer.
Norwich City head coach David Wagner delivered some bad news at a pre-match press conference for the game against Sunderland on Saturday (15.00 GMT).
There was positive updates on the fitness of Grant Hanley, Marcelino Nunez and Shane Duffy, but it wasn't good news for winger Onel Hernandez:
David Wagner delivers bad news about an injury to Onel Hernandez
Norwich City head coach David Wagner has been speaking to the media ahead of the game against Sunderland on Saturday (15.00 GMT).
Here are some of the key points:
Winger Onel Hernandez has broken his foot in training and will be out for the rest of the season
Midfielder Marcelino Nunez has a hip injury and will miss Saturday but should be back for the Rotherham game
Defender Shane Duffy has had a scan and will be back following the international break
Captain Grant Hanley is ok to return to full training
On Jonathan Rowe returning from a hamstring injury: "It will take time. We are three weeks post-injury and he won't be back in March, it'll be April"
Wagner admitted Norwich were outplayed at the Stadium of Light and deserved to lose in October 2023
"We want the atmosphere to be at the highest level possible." Wagner spoke about the importance of City winning their home games with positivity from the fans
On Monday, 20-year-old Norwich City goalkeeper Jayden St Paul announced his retirement from football because of a knee injury that's kept him out for nearly two years.
Jayden got in touch with the BBC as he wanted to share his story and talk about the mental health struggles young footballers can face.
Amelia Reynolds went to meet him, and Jayden started by telling her about the day that changed his life:
Interview with former Norwich City goalkeeper Jayden St Paul
Image source, Getty ImagesGary Gowers, My Football Writer - Norwich City, external
Much has been made of the impact of Jonathan Rowe on City’s season, and so too the pivotal role played in any successes by Josh Sargent, borne out by the start-with-Josh/start-without-Josh stats.
Take those two players out of the equation and City would be nowhere near the playoff places.
Latterly, the high-intensity, high-energy performances of Borja Sainz have grabbed the headlines, along with some South American magic from Messrs Sara and Nunez, but amid all the highs and lows of this tumultuous season there has been a steady, reliable presence who, along the way, has probably earned City as many points as Rowe and Sargent combined.
I speak, of course, of Angus Gunn who has gone about his work quietly and with the minimum of fuss but who is pivotal to this team, not only for his shot-stopping and command of the penalty box but also for his ability to pass the ball with comfort – you could argue with more comfort than some of the centre-backs in front of him.
It’s not been an easy route for Angus, who had to bide his time upon his return to the club from Southampton before eventually nailing down the number one shirt.
Despite having held the jersey in his first full (loan) season here in 2017-18, his second stint saw him initially play second fiddle to Tim Krul, but when the chance came he took it. As Krul’s form faltered, Gunn’s held firm and it was to a young(ish) Scot rather than an experienced Dutchman that David Wagner turned when the time came to make a choice.
It's turned out to be one of the few decisions for which Wagner has almost universal support. Even those in the ‘not convinced' camp now appear content that Angus is the man for the job; a job made that little bit more difficult by having a dad who is already a Norwich City hall of famer.
As a result, Angus has had to work doubly hard to establish himself in his own right but has done it so effectively and efficiently, the City faithful now no longer hope he makes the big saves when they are needed - they expect him to.
He was at it again at Blackburn at the weekend, where three priceless saves helped us earn a point that could quite easily have squirmed away.
It’s an overused cliché, but Angus really is ‘one of our own’, which makes his ascent from promising youngster to established City number one all the sweeter, and in a season of tumult, he has been a rare model of consistently.
Image source, Getty ImagesDelia Smith has been a majority shareholder at Carrow Road since 1996
On this day - 28 February 2005
"A message to the best football supporters in the world...
"We need a 12th man here. Where are you? Where are you?
"Let's be having you. Come on!"
It's one of the most famous football rants of all-time. Norwich City majority shareholder Delia Smith grabbed a microphone at half-time of the Canaries' Premier League game against Manchester City and tried to rally the fans.
City had surrendered a two-goal lead and ended up losing the game 3-2. Robbie Fowler scored a late winner.
Reevo Reacts - coming soon
Every Monday here on the BBC Sport Norwich City page, BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Reeve will give his first post-match reaction on the latest goings-on at Carrow Road.
It's called 'Reevo Reacts'.
No punches pulled, strong opinions guaranteed.
The Scrimmage discussed Norwich City's excellent home form
The Scrimmage discussed Norwich City's differing home and away form.
The Canaries' host Sunderland at Carrow Road on Saturday (15.00 GMT).
Black Cats' supporter and podcaster Graham Falk joined the panel to look ahead to the game.
The Scrimmage was hosted by Rob Butler and Chris Reeve. Special guest was City fan Joe Lambert.
The Scrimmage panel was staying positive about the Canaries' Championship play-off hopes.
Rob Butler and Chris Reeve were joined by golf professional and City fan Joe Lambert.
Image source, Getty ImagesOn this day - 27 February 2007
Simon Lappin was the hero, as he scored an injury-time winner at Luton in a 3-2 win.
Norwich came from 2-1 down to win the game and ease their Championship relegation fears. Lappin was a recent signing from Scottish club St. Mirren.
After the game Canaries' boss Peter Grant had this to say:
""I think we deserved the win.
"We shot ourselves in the foot by conceding silly goals again, but my players have determination in abundance.
"Simon got his just rewards because he is on the training pitch practising free-kicks for half an hour after everyone else has gone.
"There is still a long way to go. People talked about this one being a six-pointer, but we have only three more points."
City ended up finishing 16th in the table that season.
BBC Radio Norfolk's Norwich City fanzine show The Scrimmage returns on Monday at 18.00 GMT.
Rob Butler and Chris Reeve will be joined by golf professional (and City fan) Joe Lambert.
Plus, they speak to Doncaster City about the signing of Canary legend Wes Hoolahan.
There's also a look back to the draw at Blackburn and a look ahead to the visit of Sunderland on Saturday.
You can subscribe to the podcast version of the show here.
Image source, Getty ImagesHere are your views on the Canaries' 1-1 draw at Blackburn:
Kieran - The performances and game management away from home, plus the fact we’ve dropped 19 points from winning positions this season, is why this team won’t make the play-offs. It is also why Wagner isn’t the long-term solution going into next season, considering he seems to be happy with these kinds of away performances.
Tulsa - It really feels like two points dropped, rather than a point gained. The tinkering with the starting eleven by Wagner was baffling to me. We hadn't played for a week, so why did he feel the need to change the side that destroyed Cardiff? Kenny McLean has to be played at centre-back all the time and our away form is putting too much pressure on our home games.
Lennie - I was hopeful Wagner had turned the corner but if we do get in the play-offs it will be in spite of him rather than because of him. Baffling team selections and substitutions have without doubt cost us. I was looking forward to seeing van Hooijdonk but has had so little time on the pitch, he must be wondering why he came here.
Mike - I don't think we will win anything with this manager. Far too cautious, tactically inept and doesn't have faith in our young players. We must look at Idah and Cantweĺl having game-time and feeling wanted, they look different players now.
Clive - Away form not good enough for play-off push, inconsistency which will eventually cost us as games run out. Question - why do we sign players and not play them? Wagner consistently tinkering with his starting line-up but is very reluctant to introduce fresh faces. Baffling substitutes at times, both QPR and Blackburn are poor championship sides and we dropped points.
Angus Gunn says Norwich City still have a good chance of making the play-offs
Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn said he was disappointed with the 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
The Canaries took the lead in the first half - Marcelino Nunez scored direct from a free-kick. Gunn then produced a string a good saves to ensure City stayed ahead, before Sam Gallagher equalised for Blackburn in the second half.
Nunez was later withdrawn with an apparent hamstring problem, after the game David Wagner said the club will wait to see how serious the injury is.
You can listen to a full interview with Angus Gunn here.
Image source, Getty ImagesNorwich City head coach David Wagner spoke to BBC Radio Norfolk following the Canaries' 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday:
Wagner said, "I would say a frustrating result - yes, but performance-wise, to be totally honest, I've seen a lot of good things.
"Everyone was putting a shift in, we created very good opportunities. The one which we have to complain about is that we were not ruthless and clinical enough and this is the one which is frustrating."
Do you agree with Wagner's assessment? Head here to give us your views.
You can listen to a full interview with David Wagner here.
Norwich City had 1215 supporters at Ewood Park
Norwich City drew 1-1 at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and still have realistic hopes of making the Championship play-offs.
We want your views on the Canaries, going into the final 12 games of the season.
Was it two points dropped in Lancashire?
Or were you happy with the point?
How much of a blow would it be if Marcelino Nunez misses games through injury?
Do you think Norwich can still make the play-offs despite their poor away from?
Norwich City were held to a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Saturday.
The point moves the Canaries up to seventh in the table, but they are still three points behind sixth-placed Hull City who are in the play-off places.
Former City winger Lee Croft was the guest summariser during BBC Radio Norfolk's coverage, here are his full-time thoughts:
"I think they (Norwich) will see it as a missed opportunity.
"I think Blackburn were there for the taking for long periods of the game. When Norwich were on top they didn't quite take the opportunity to put a bit of daylight between them and Blackburn."
He continued, "To be fair to them (Blackburn), they were always dangerous with (Sam) Gallagher up front and from set-pieces, they always had a chance of nicking one.
"I think it will seem like two points dropped in the end, but it is a point on the road."
You can hear more from Lee Croft on Canary Call with Rob Butler here.
Image source, Getty ImagesHere's the answer to our regular pre-match quiz.
First, a reminder of the question:
Norwich City won 4-1 at Blackburn on the opening day of the 2016-17 season. The Rovers starting XI that day featured two ex-Canaries and two more who would go on to play for Norwich. Can you name all four players?
Thanks to everyone who got in touch, the solution is:
Elliott Bennett
Elliott Ward
Shane Duffy
Ben Marshall
Norwich City face Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the Championship on Saturday (15.00 GMT).
You can listen to full live commentary with BBC Radio Norfolk from 14.00 GMT (FM, DAB and Freeview).
Chris Goreham and Rob Butler will be joined by former City winger Lee Croft.
Here's some stats ahead of the Canaries' trip to Ewood Park (provided by OPTA):
Blackburn Rovers are looking for their first league double over Norwich City since the 1969-70 season
Norwich have won their last five away league games against Blackburn – they had only won one of their first 17 visits to Ewood Park between 1936 and 2012 (D4 L12)
Blackburn won their first home league game under John Eustace when they beat Stoke 3-1. Rovers haven’t won consecutive league matches at Ewood Park since a run of four wins in February/March 2023
Norwich City ended 2023 with consecutive league defeats but they’ve only lost one of eight games in 2024 so far (W5 D2), winning their last two and scoring four goals in each win
Norwich are looking to win three consecutive league games under David Wagner for a second time, previously doing so in March 2023. The Canaries are also looking to score 4+ goals in three league games in a row for the first time since November 2018.
