Norwich City host Burnley in a Championship match on Saturday, with manager Philippe Clement confirming Ben Chrisene is available for selection. The Canaries, currently 23rd in the table with zero points from two games, are looking to end a poor start to the league campaign. This lunchtime kickoff at Carrow Road presents a chance to build on midweek cup success.
Chrisene was initially named on the bench for Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Cardiff City but was replaced by Sam Field as a precaution due to a back issue. His return is a boost for Clement, who also welcomes back defender Jose Cordoba from a one-match suspension. Cordoba received a red card for a second bookable offence at Millwall last weekend. The defensive options are further bolstered by the return of Errol Mundle-Smith from a minor hamstring issue; he was on the substitutes' bench for the cup clash.
Philippe Clement made significant rotations for the 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff City. That win, secured by a late Ante Crnac goal off the bench, earned Norwich City a third-round away match against Manchester City. Several players made their debuts in that match, including Bruno Alves and Darlin Yongwa. Vladan Kovacevic and Kenny McLean were unused substitutes, while Mo Toure and Papa Amadou Diallo were not in the 20-man selection.
The injury picture is gradually improving. Paris Maghoma (calf) returned to grass training earlier in the week but is not expected to feature against Burnley, having missed the trips to Millwall and Cardiff City Stadium. Jovon Makama (foot) remains sidelined but is closing in on a return to full-team training. There's positive news on Gabe Forsyth (knee), who got minutes in a recent internal game as he recovers from an 18-month spell out. Long-term absentees Mirko Topic (ACL), Lucien Mahovo (ankle), and Ali Ahmed (ACL) continue their rehabilitation.
Two players have not featured in a matchday squad this season: Amankwah Forson and Jakov Medic. According to the Edp24 report, both remain available for moves away from Norwich City before the transfer window closes.
Burnley arrive at Carrow Road under new manager Nicky Hayen, who is new to English football after a coaching career largely spent in Belgium with clubs like Club Brugge and Genk. The Clarets are 18th in the Championship table and are without a win in their last 17 competitive games, a run stretching back to February. Despite their tough start to the new campaign, they hold a psychological edge, seeking a fifth straight win against Norwich City.
Burnley will be without several players: Enock Agyei, Jaydon Banel, Ashley Barnes, Jordan Beyer, and Josh Cullen are all ruled out. Defender Bashir Humphreys is a doubt. Their star player, Zian Flemming, is expected to travel with the team but remains subject to significant transfer interest. Norwich's task is clear: break a negative streak against this opponent while capitalizing on their own returning players.
The context is stark. Norwich City sit 23rd in the Championship with zero points, having lost their opening two matches. They have scored just one goal while conceding five, giving them a -4 goal difference. They are already six points behind early leaders Millwall. Saturday's home game against a fellow struggling side is an early-season fixture with increased importance. A positive result could provide a platform to climb the standings.
The midweek cup win offered a morale boost and minutes for squad players. Clement will hope the momentum from Ante Crnac's decisive goal and the debuts of Alves and Yongwa translates into league performance. With Chrisene available and Cordoba returning, the manager has more defensive solidity to call upon as Norwich City aim to stop the slide and collect their first Championship points of the season.
