Norwich

[honkytonk]

Reading about Dean Smith this morning, saying he is unsure if the game will go ahead as they have so many out. Lost a defender last night and Byram is only just back after 2 years out.......so, not sure that warrants a game being called off. Muddying the waters a bit here and being a little sly. They have a couple of Covid cases, thats fine (but not a mass outbreak). The rest are injuries, thats not a case for the game be called off. Trying to hide behind Covid to get the game called off.

[bonzosbeard]

A bit naughty if it's for injuries.

[honkytonk]

Yeah. They were awful last night, think he is trying to buy himself a bit of time and get a chance to re group. Brighton have 9 out tonight, 4 through covid I think. They are still playing. Leeds had quite a few kids on the bench.

[Essexmaniac]

It's not helped by the Premier League or FA not having any Covid criteria regarding the inability to field teams, as far as I know.
Not sure how they could regulate that, but you would think a minimum number of confirmed cases amongst the designated first team squad would be a requirement.

[steps]

The PL set a dangerous precedent letting their darlings Spurs and Man Utd postpone games due to outbreaks. Clubs will try and use it to their advantage now.

They were ok to play last night, it’s not even a day gone yet, how do they know if their situation is worse without having players in for training and tested?

We’re down to the bare bones in defence but are not crying about it. Just get on with it and get the game played.

[davids cross]

Brighton have got three players missing tonight with Covid. Potter saying "just get on with it"

I think one of the key things regarding games getting called off is when the training grounds get closed down. That seems (generally to be a common factor when the games get called off).....probably exceptions.

Can't blame Smith for trying it on... (in same position I hope we would do the same). But it's their injuries which make up the bulk of their missing players.

And I'm pretty sure the PL are well aware of this........hence Norwich didn't get a particularly helpful response re: before the Villa game.

[Essexmaniac]

Yeah. They were awful last night, think he is trying to buy himself a bit of time and get a chance to re group. Brighton have 9 out tonight, 4 through covid I think. They are still playing. Leeds had quite a few kids on the bench.

Leeds situation is purely down to injuries, plus having a small squad by choice of the genius that is Bielsa.
So why should teams be able to call games off for Covid cases and not injuries? Unless spreading the virus to the opposition is given as the reason..

[SullySpecial]

Look at his Villa tactics. Trying to gain an advantage by cheating isn’t a foreign concept to him.

[DenziMart]

Dean Smith trying to play the system to his advantage? Surely not!

[S-H]

3 points in the bag.

Doesn't matter when we play them, he's only delaying the inevitable.

[Chicken Run Supreme]

Let’s put them to the sword

We haven’t given anyone a good drubbing for ages, Antonio hat trick and a brace for Bowen and Soucek.

[honkytonk]

Leeds situation is purely down to injuries, plus having a small squad by choice of the genius that is Bielsa.
So why should teams be able to call games off for Covid cases and not injuries? Unless spreading the virus to the opposition is given as the reason..

Thats my point about Leeds, they have injuries but are carrying on (as they should). Norwich have injuries and a couple of covid cases, but are talking about potentially not being able to play the game. Not really down to covid, thats down to injuries and isnt an excuse.

I can understand teams getting games called off if they have an outbreak and training grounds are closed. Its about stopping the spread. That does not apply to Norwich currently though

[One Peter Butler]

Be a shame to have an extra few days rest before we have to visit that hive of filth in North London!

[sendô]

Let’s put them to the sword

We haven’t given anyone a good drubbing for ages, Antonio hat trick and a brace for Bowen and Soucek.

7-0 seems to be the fashionable score this season, Chelsea over Norwich and Man City over Leeds so far.

Surely we can go one better?

Although in all honesty I'll be happy with a 1-0 and the 3 points.

[il_martello_di_genovesi]

I do think this is possible tbh. After watching how bad they were last night and then his comments after. He's just seen 2 games get postponed, so why not try I suppose? I hope not.

[EastEndIRON]

I hope this isn’t the case - got tickets for this

[The Terminator]

Surely clubs can / must use players from the under 23 teams if they have 'x' amount of 1st team players out? You wouldn't hear of teams having matches postponed if they suddenly accumulated a lot of injuries!

[mushy]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news ... la-academy

I can't actually see a lot wrong with what Smith has said here, appears to be seeking clarification.
Aren't we all?

[il_martello_di_genovesi]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news ... la-academy

I can't actually see a lot wrong with what Smith has said here, appears to be seeking clarification.
Aren't we all?

"but we probably need a magic number telling us how many is enough."

I'm not sure we do. What we need is a magic number for the amount of first team players/U23 players required to fulfil a fixture. If we start getting into the territory of a certain number of cases can = a postponement, then I think it would become an issue. If it's becoming a massive concern, they would be better off taking a break, not providing numbers for individual clubs to get postponements.

[honkytonk]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news ... la-academy

I can't actually see a lot wrong with what Smith has said here, appears to be seeking clarification.
Aren't we all?

Its this bit that I dont think is right

"Then the fact that Ozan Kabak goes down and Sam Byram makes his first appearance in two years - we are down to the bare bones.

Thats has nothing to do with Covid, thats injuries and is no reason to get a cancellation