Fan Focus: Norwich fan Adam gives us the latest Canaries lowdown!

Today at 01:00 AM

Ahead of today's Championship clash, we spoke to Norwich fan Adam Harvey of The Pink Un to discuss life under Johannes Hoff Thorup. Who should we be wary of?

Mark Attanasio completed his takeover of the club in late October. How was that received by supporters and what has he promised to change moving forward?

Delia and Michael's stewardship of Norwich City spanned twenty eight years, with a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout.

One thing they always made clear was that any successor must show the same moral values and interest in putting the club and its supporters first. That's why this process has been ongoing for three years now before the full takeover, so fan excitement has been building for a sustained period of time.

Despite most supporters being eternally grateful for the work of Delia and Michael, there's been a growing sense their lack of financial power has been a stumbling block to Norwich City competing at the highest level.

Mark Attanasio has already promised that he's willing to spend some money in the January transfer window, as the squad continues to evolve, and utilising data as a key part of the decision-making across many departments, which has been a key pillar of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team he's owned for over twenty years.

35-year-old Danish coach Johannes Hoff Thorup replaced David Wagner in the summer. What sort of impact has he made?

Even though recent results have been very disappointing, most of the fans are fully onboard with Johannes Hoff Thorup.

David Wagner helped to get results, but his teams lacked an identity and a clear style of play, which in turn meant the fans felt didn't feel connected to the team. This led to a lot of toxicity and a clear need for change.

Our sporting director Ben Knapper, who joined from Arsenal last year, has a clear vision for how he wants to see football played, which matches that of Thorup.

The Dane's clever way with words in the media only helps the excitement around him and the future of the club, with many fans feeling he's the one to take Norwich back to the Premier League in the future.

Looking at the table, Norwich are eight points from the playoffs. Are the fans still confident you could mount a push?

Since the summer, the club has labelled this season a 'transitional' one while still pushing to finish as high as possible. Fans are willing to give the project time, and would sacrifice a top six finish if they can see progress on and off the pitch.

That said, if Norwich could field their strongest eleven every week, then they'd be in the playoffs without question, in my opinion. However, injuries and suspensions have been a predominant issue for the club so far this season.

Josh Sargent has been out for two months and is not back until the new year. His return could make all the difference, as was proven last season upon his return from injury.

Borja Sainz has been absolutely flying this season, with fifteen goals so far. What makes him so dangerous?

His ability to produce something out of nothing.

Even in games where the team aren't playing well, he can produce a magic moment to get something out of the game.

The way he plays football with an edge means his fiery temperament can get under the skin of defenders and opposition fans, but can also make him susceptible to a red card.

He's a real joy to watch, so here's hoping the club can keep him in January.

Ex-Sunderland loanee Callum Doyle joined Norwich on loan in the summer. Where's he been playing and how has he performed?

He started the season playing in the left centre back role alongside experienced pro Shane Duffy. Throughout August, he gained a lot of plaudits for his ability to play with the ball at his feet, helping Norwich to build out from the back.

In the past few months, and since one of our summer signings in Jose Cordoba has returned from injury, he's shifted to left back. This has led to a decline in his form and seemingly his confidence.

Opposition teams know they can exploit his lack of pace and he doesn't offer Norwich the same outlet going forward.

First-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn is set to miss the match through suspension.

Is substitute George Long capable of stepping up?

On the evidence of this season, no.

Gunn was out for a period through injury around October and early November and the impact it had was detrimental. Long made a catalogue of individual errors that led to goals, which in turn was damaging his confidence every time.

This led to fan frustration towards him boiling over and many wanted to see an academy goalkeeper given an opportunity. If Gunn does pick up a suspension, then I think most Norwich fans would already concede defeat at the Stadium of Light.

Aside from the players mentioned above, who should Sunderland be wary of during the match?

Marcelino Nunez has been a regular in Norwich's side for three years now, but this has been his real breakout season.

Initially playing under Dean Smith before David Wagner, it was clear that he had talent, but it wasn't showcased consistently enough.

He now looks comfortable in the system and has started to offer a goal threat from outside the box. His passing ability and tenacious nature makes him the perfect midfielder for the Championship, as despite his small size, he isn't afraid of a tackle.

What style of play has Thorup implemented at Norwich?

It's a 4-3-3 system built on playing attacking and possession football, with lots of fast transitions. It's built to create space to allow our best attacking players to produce their best attacking moments.

It's made Norwich a very entertaining team to watch and arguably even more so than under Daniel Farke. The major issue at the moment is that opposition teams away from home have set up to counteract that and have endured much joy — recently QPR and Portsmouth.

So as Thorup moves along his learning journey at Norwich and in England for the first time, there's still plenty to ponder on that front.

Are any players missing, and who do you think will start?

Kenny McLean is still suspended after an outrageous FA decision following Norwich City's 3-0 defeat at Loftus Road.

We're also missing Josh Sargent, Liam Gibbs and Gabriel Forsyth through injury and none of those will be fit for the trip north. The only other potential absentee will be Angus Gunn if the FA presses charges.

Starting XI: Gunn/Long, Fisher, Duffy; Cordoba, Doyle, Nunez; Slimane, Marcondes, Sainz; Schwartau, Crnac

Both sides have won two matches each since Sunderland returned to the Championship. What's your score prediction for today's game?

If this game would've been at Carrow Road, I'd have been confident of Norwich getting result, but being it's at your place, I'm going to have to back the Black Cats for a home win. 2-1.