Sunderland under-23s are in action on Friday evening, as they fly the red flag and represent the club in their first ever European semi-final.
Fixture: Norwich City U23 v Sunderland U23
Location: Carrow Road
Date and kick-off: Friday 31 March, kick-off 7pm
Competition: Premier League International Cup
NORWICH CITY ANALYSED
Pathway to the last four. . .
Norwich City breezed through their group with three wins from as many matches. The free-scoring Canaries netted an emphatic nine goals in their three group games, securing impressive victories over Spanish giants Valencia, Celtic and Aston Villa on route to the knockout stages. The Norfolk side then made light work of their quarter-final clash, producing a six-star display to defeat Dinamo Zagreb and progress to the semi-finals where Sunderland await.
Talking tactics. . .
There’s no doubting the calibre of opposition Sunderland will be facing on Friday night when you reflect on Norwich's route to the last four. Ice cool up top, the Canaries have netted 15 goals in just four games. Regularly deploying a string of senior figures in their European matches, though, it can’t come as a surprise their dominance so far in this competition. Usually setting up with a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Canaries rarely press as a team with the idea of working as individuals off the ball more favoured. Scottish youngster Glenn Middleton is highly regarded in Norwich’s ranks and is likely to feature up top or as part of an attacking three just behind the frontman. Norwich can be exposed down either flank and Sunderland will need to hit either channel as quickly as possible in an attempt to catch the free-scoring Canaries off guard.
With a place in the final up for grabs, though, it will definitely be a case of hold your nerve time.
Ticket information. . .
Entry to the game is FREE.
