East Anglia is our first stop on the Gameweek 5 rollercoaster, with Norwich welcoming Aston Villa to Carrow Road for the weekend opener. It means another return to his old stamping ground for Paul Lambert, having seen his Villa side dismantle Norwich in front of Delia and the Norwich throngs back in May.
Chris Hughton will be looking for a more positive result this time around, having suffered an indifferent start to the campaign so far. Indeed, with both teams already skirting around the relegation places, today’s televised clash could be a cagey affair with the pair looking to avoid defeat at all costs.
For Fantasy managers, the focus is on Villa’s mayhem-dealer, Christian Benteke. The Belgian failed to get on the scoresheet in last season’s 2-1 win but, having notched four goals already this term, he’ll clearly carry the major threat to Norwich, as well as the expectations of many a Fantasy manager.
The team news is somewhat intriguing. The home lineup certainly stings Steven Whittaker’s owners, who find the budget pick relegated to the bench as club captain Russell Martin earns a recall at right-back. Elsewhere, Jonny Howson comes into midfield with Bradley Johnson dropping out of the 18-man squad. New signing, Gary Hooper in on the bench once again as Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Johan Elmander continue up front.
Visitors Villa also make changes. Ciaran Clark gets the nod alongside Ron Vlaar in defence following the injury to Jores Okore, keeping Nathan Baker on the bench. Lambert also recalls Leandro Bacuna and gives Aleksandar Tonev his first start of the campaign. Ashley Westwood drops to the bench and Matt Lowton also makes way, presumably allowing Bacuna to fill in at right-back.
Our Dugout Discussion Chatroom has opened up for this 12.45. kick-off and will remain available throughout the day’s action, right up until the evening encounter at Stamford Bridge.
