Terrace Talk: Keeping the faith, the ‘R’ word and midfield imbalance

Keeping the faith

City's current situation doesn't make for positive reading. The statistics are bleak, some optimism has oozed out of supporters and concern is beginning to creep in following another away day defeat.

Last seasons title-winning exploits feels like light years ago with the reality of the Premier League dawning on City's young group of operators.

That said, this is a group capable of breaking conventions. On a shoestring budget, they passed their way to success with a brand of football that left supporters on the edge of their seats.

Striking a balance between that free-flowing football favoured by Farke and a defensive structure will be critical if City are to retain their Premier League status. One thing is for certain, however, this group cannot be written off.

The 'R' word...

It's only November, but some supporters are bracing themselves for the worst.

With City's performances on the pitch a cause for concern, the preseason excitement has turned into worry. Injuries are undoubtedly a factor to their current plight, with Ben Godfrey being the only fully fit centre-back available to Farke.

At the Amex however, City did seemingly lack quality. Defeats in the Premier League can suck the confidence out of any side even one who, only a matter of months previous, could find any way to win albeit in a lesser division.

Defeat on Friday evening would drastically alter the mood music emanating from the terraces and leave City on treacherous ground.

Midfield imbalance

One of the major headaches suffered by Farke so far this season has been how to deploy a midfield set-up that reduces the volume of chances conceded but equally, supports their offensive passages of play.

In three of their last four games, their opponents have had 20 plus shots on goal. That serves as a damning indictment on their defensive work so far this season.

Throughout this season, they've lacked a competent screener who can protect a back line already frail due to the lack of credible options.

Ibrahim Amadou has been required to play centre-back so far despite being signed as a defensive midfielder. City need to discover an equilibrium if they are to stay in the division. - Watch Terrace Talk with City supporters Joe Hinchliffe and James Myhill, hosted by Connor Southwell above

Norwich City players look dejected after conceding their second goal against Brighton. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Paul Chesterton)