Harry Redknapp's basement boys QPR got one over Southampton last time out.

Norwich City’s Premier League destiny in their own hands

Saturday, March 9, 2013
10:30 AM

Chris Hughton attaches no greater importance to Southampton’s Premier League visit ahead of the first of five battles against clubs fighting for their top-flight lives.

Norwich have their destiny firmly in their own hands over the run-in and Hughton knows they can also potentially inflict damaging blows on many of the relegation candidates.

“There is an added incentive when you play the teams around you that you can deny them points as well. That is quite obvious to say but the approach is no different,” he said. “They are games you don’t want to lose but more importantly it is a home game and for clubs like us we know the success of our season will be based around the home form. The longer the season goes it is another ticked off. Yes, playing the teams around us are games we don’t want to lose but we have 10 left and we have to make sure we get the required points from those 10 in whichever fashion. I think QPR have shown how things can tighten up with a win last weekend and Reading up until the last game or two were on a good run. What you have in the group of teams just below is clubs who can win games. They only need to put two or three wins together so you can’t afford to relax. There are too many stories in recent seasons of clubs and players in good positions that have eventually gone down.”

Hughton is adamant handling pressure is a staple requirement in the Premier League – whether you face the struggling Saints or a trip to Manchester United.

“I think there is pressure with every game,” he said. “If you are travelling to Old Trafford you know how difficult that is and that is a type of pressure. When you play the top teams at home there is still a pressure to perform and when you are at home against teams lower down there is pressure because the expectations of the crowd will be different.

“The release from that pressure is when things are going well and we have had periods of that this season. As much as we possibly can myself, my staff and my players have to stay level-headed.”

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9 comments

Looks like the `plan` is for 6 draws.......

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Mad Brewer

Sunday, March 10, 2013
I hope\imagine what Hoots says to his players is more upbeat, bluelight. I hope it`s just a case of "expectation management" on we simple footy fans.

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Mad Brewer

Saturday, March 9, 2013
It`d be great to just about seal safety today and then try and finish the season on a bit of a "high". Let Kount draKula loose, play two up front, give Lucifer a decent run. But if we get over the line with Hoots` "tortoise not hare" approach, so be it. 6 draws should be enough. Or 2 wins!

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Mad Brewer

Saturday, March 9, 2013
As I do every Saturday, i'm looking forward to the match on my laptop. The wife has taken to leaving 2 or 3 pairs of clean boxers beside me on the table. The joy of supporting NCFC. A draw would be fine with me, but a win, oh joy, would take us 8 points clear of 5 teams, at least today. Enjoy the game guys and girls. OTBC

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spanishcanary

Saturday, March 9, 2013
not going to be easy brew.i heard hoots on the local news last night saying what a good quality team the saints are.now theres a surprise.otbc

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bluelight

Saturday, March 9, 2013
The pressure could be more on us than them - yes we are both chasing the points but slightly more expectations on us at home, that aside I feel we should pick up the 3 points if we play to our strengths. I would like to see us start with two up front and go for it but if whatever the line-up if it brings 3 points it will be job well done. OTBC

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Singapore Canary

Saturday, March 9, 2013
.....Todays prediction!.....I think there will be a lot of draws, including City. Things will be much the same at 5pm as they are now! BUT we will all be a bit nearer the finishing line......

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Stew Pydsodd

Saturday, March 9, 2013
That`s the way I see the arithmetic too, Mr Ed. A defeat is unthinkable, though. Soton will be desperate for 3 points, so we could catch them out? Even with just a lone front man......

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Mad Brewer

Saturday, March 9, 2013
Whilst 3 points for NCFC would be excellent today, I guess it's of greater importance 'not to lose' - more especially to teams around us in the league.

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Mr Ed

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Case for the defence was Norwich City’s core strength

In the first of a three-part series dissecting the Canaries’ successful battle to retain their Premier League status, Norwich City writer Paddy Davitt turns the spotlight on the goalkeepers and those men deployed to thwart some of the best striking talent in the global game.

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