#norwich-city

#norwich-city

Now, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Barcelona have 'essentially closed' the deal to sign teenage winger Ajay Tavares from Norwich City. One of the most sought-after talents in England, the 16-year-old Tavares' arrival at the Blaugrana club is now only a matter of time, with just his signature on the contract pending. Despite being from the United Kingdom, the player holds a European passport, which allows him to be transferred immediately, having turned 16 years old in December.

Christmas is long gone and the scramble of the transfer window is about to come to an end so it feels like we really are now at the business end of the season with teams' goals, be they promotion, survival or building for next year, programmed for the run-in. In the Championship Middlesbrough might have quite fancied facing Norwich a month ago but the Canaries are a different proposition these days, while Portsmouth against West Brom has 'relegation scrap' written all over it.

Anis Ben Slimane gave Norwich a ninth-minute lead before the in-form Sam Smith restored parity before the break. Jovon Makama struck after 58 minutes to take his Championship goals tally into double figures and end Wrexham's 10-game unbeaten home league run that stretched back to Sept. 13. Norwich remain in the relegation zone despite an upturn in results since Philippe Clement succeeded the sacked Liam Manning in November, but are within a point of Blackburn and Portsmouth in 22nd.

Starting with the hosts, while Philippe Clement might have only arrived in Norfolk less than two months ago, Norwich are certainly enjoying life under the former Rangers boss. Making an immediate return to winning ways earlier in the week as they opened the New Year with an impressive 2-1 win away at QPR, the Canaries have breathed life back into their charge for Championship safety.

Starting with the hosts, while Birmingham might have only made their Championship return this season, it is no secret that Chris Davies' men have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine play-off charge this time around. Despite heading into November's international break with a 2-1 loss away at Middlesbrough, the Blues know that they can move within touching distance of the top-six here. Getting November underway with back-to-back 4-0 romps against Millwall and Portsmouth respectively, Birmingham will be dreaming of a repeat performance here.

Starting with the hosts, officially placed into administration last week and dealing with what has been an extended financial crisis behind the scenes at Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday know that it will take a minor miracle in the race to keep hold of their Championship status. Hit with a 12-point deduction and sat rock-bottom of the table, Henrik Pedersen's men are simply trying to soldier on.

It is only 18 months since the last league meeting between Ipswich Town and Norwich City, when a goal by Marcelino Nunez gave the Canaries a 1-0 win. They will meet again in the 110th East Anglia derby on Sunday, and just seven of the 29 players that made it on to the pitch that day at Carrow Road in April 2024 are part of their current squads.