Wolves vs Norwich City | U23 Match preview

Wolves under-23s are set to play their first match for three weeks this evening as they return to Compton Park and welcome Norwich City to the training ground.

Rob Edwards' side currently sit second in the Premier League 2 Division 2 table, three points behind leaders Southampton but with a game in hand and superior goal difference over the Saints.

Norwich, who lost 3-1 to Wolves in the reverse fixture back in August, come into the game on an indifferent run of form, winning just one of their previous four matches and sitting second from bottom in the league.

Friday’s match will be Wolves’ first since a 1-0 victory over Fulham at the Compton last month, after their most recent games – a PL2 away fixture against Newcastle and a PL Cup tie against Swansea – were both postponed due to bad weather conditions.

WHEN

Friday 7pm

WHERE

Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground sponsored by Fosun International

LAST THREE

Wolves

1-0 v Fulham (H)

1-0 v Hull City (A) PLC

1-2 v Reading (H)

Norwich City

0-3 v Exeter City (H) PLC

2-6 v West Bromwich Albion (H)

1-1 v Leicester City (H) PLC

WHAT THE BOSS THINKS

On Norwich

“They’ve beaten Aston Villa recently, I’ve watched that back today and they played really well in that game. I don’t think about the form, we take it that they’ll be at the top of their game and we’ve got to try and do our best; stick to doing what we do and try to do it well.”

On preparing for tonight’s game

“We’ve got to prepare the same way we would for any of our games. We treat every game in the same way, with the same intensity, the same attitude and nothing can change from our point of view.

“In under-23 football anything can happen. Teams could get a few players back who have been with the first-team, or back from injury, and two or three players can really strengthen sides.”

On two postponements

“It will be nice to actually play a game! I’m looking forwards to seeing us play a game and watching the lads get back at it after a few weeks.

“So far, we’ve had a beautiful week with the weather, yesterday morning was gorgeous down at Compton, so hopefully the pitch will be nice and we’re looking forwards to trying to play and commit to what we do.”

On recent performances

“January was alright. I think regarding how we performed, our performance levels could be better, but throughout a long season there was always going to be peaks and troughs, but we’ve had a lot of high-level games.

“In terms of results, the players managed to achieve good things – we won three out of four games, but I think we could be better than what we’ve shown in terms of performances.

“But I’m looking forwards to seeing the lads out there playing tonight and hope they do themselves justice and keep their levels high.”

NEXT FIVE

22/2 Oxford Untied (H) PLC

1/3 Middlesbrough (A)

11/3 Southampton (H)

30/3 Newcastle (A)

8/4 Aston Villa (A)

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