Norwich vs West Ham preview: Steven Naismith needs to give struggling Canaries lift

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Carrow Road

(2016 Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Steven Naismith

Initially looking impressive and scoring against Liverpool after signing in the January window, Naismith is yet to find the net since. His side are in a dangerous situation and need their new playmaker to rally the team behind him looking forward. Norwich are on the brink of potential relegation having lost all of their last six games and need the ex-Merseyside man to give them a lift.

Best stat…

18: Norwich have conceded 18 of their 48 goals at home this season. Norwich’s only three clean sheets have been kept at home, indicating a clear gulf between the Canaries home and away form. This bodes well for their match against a tired West Ham team who played in midweek.

Remember when…

West Ham grab a late winner to the dismay of Liverpool fans and Jurgen Klopp. Payet’s technical ability is clear throughout.

Player to watch…

Dimitri Payet

Fresh off the back of sending Liverpool crashing out of the FA Cup and signing a new contract with West Ham until 2021, who else would be worth watching more than Payet at the moment? The Frenchman is proving too much for most teams to handle with his technical prowess and will be a real problem for Norwich. Target man Andy Carroll is likely to start, with questions being raised over Valencia’s fitness. Payet’s long ball could prove decisive in supplying the Hammers’ striker.

Past three-meetings…

West Ham 2 (Sakho, Kouyaté) Norwich 2 (Brady, Redmond)
Premier League, September 2015.

West Ham 2 (Collins, Diamé) Norwich 0
Premier League, February 2014.

Norwich 3 (Hooper, Snodgrass, Fer) West Ham 1 (Morrison)
Premier League, November 2013.

Form guide…

Norwich: LLLLLL

West Ham: LDDWLW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 3pm

TV: Highlights on BBC1.