Norwich City ends their pre-season schedule with a match against Hibernian on Sunday afternoon with kickoff at 4 pm.
As the Championship season draws closer and the transfer window closes, Norwich City will have to turn their attention to developing the current squad. With just two first-team signings made thus far, some supporters may be concerned as they prepare for the new campaign.
However, under-23 coach Dean Smith will be pleased with how his players have progressed through pre-season and hope that their form continues when the Canaries finish off their schedule with matches against Celtic and Hibs within the next 24 hours.
Whoever lines up against the Scottish Premiership champions in the second fixture will see it as an opportunity to prove themselves ahead of the season opener against Cardiff City on August 3rd. Last time out, Norwich defeated Cambridge United by a 3-1 scoreline; Jordan Hugill continued his fine pre-season form with another double.
Hibs have been trying to secure their progress in the Scottish League Cup, with manager Lee Johnson’s team has struggled in the competition after a surprise 1-1 draw with Greenock Morton earlier this week.
However, it soon emerged that Hibs had fielded an ineligible player during that contest, with Rocky Bushiri having been suspended for accumulating the set amount of yellow cards, the consequence being a 3-0 defeat handed to their opponents.
Hibernian vs. Norwich City Head to Head
Both sides have yet to face each other, which marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Hibernian 1-1 Greenock Morton
- Bonnyrigg Rose 1-4 Hibernian
- Falkirk FC 1-0 Hibernian
- Hibernian 5-0 Clyde FC
Away
- Celtic 2-0 Norwich City
- Cambridge 1-3 Norwich City
- Marseille 0-3 Norwich City
- King’s Lynn Town 0-2 Norwich City
Hibernian Team News
Smith at Cambridge used twenty different players, and they will likely be split over the next two matches. Tim Krul is expected to get the nod against Celtic, with Angus Gunn or Michael McGovern likely to start this game.
Norwich City Team News
Liam Gibbs scored in the previous match, potentially earning him an opportunity to feature in the squad versus Celtic rather than Hibs. Manager Johnson must decide whether to name a full-strength Hibs side or give minutes to those named as substitutes versus Greenock Morton.
Prediction and Odds
Both teams have other commitments, which makes this a difficult match to call. Nevertheless, regardless of who plays at Easter Road, Norwich should win.
- Away Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score