Norwich vs Crystal Palace match preview: Time for Connor Wickham and Yohan Cabaye to prove their worth

It’s a big game for…

Connor Wickham. Following his £7m (Potentially rising to £9m) move to the Eagles, the England U21 international will want to prove that Dick Advocaat missed a trick by letting him go at such a young age. Playing in his preferred central berth, the former Ipswich man will want to prove that £9m isn’t too much for a player yet to prove himself in the Premier League against his boyhood rivals Norwich.

Interesting stat…

Despite Norwich winger Robbie Brady attempting only 60 take-ons to Yannick Bolasie’s 210, last season the Irishman’s dribbling was far less costly for his team. Bolasie lost the ball nearly 60 per cent of the time he took a player on compared to Brady’s more consistent figure of 44 per cent.

Remember when…

Gary Hooper’s goal for Norwich started former Palace boss Tony Pulis’ reign in the worst possible fashion. However, Pulis would have the last laugh as Palace escaped relegation in marvellous fashion.

Player to watch…

Yohan Cabaye. Providing the French playmaker is fit the added pedigree he will bring to Alan Pardew’s hardworking team will be invaluable. Still a part of Didier Deschamps’ plans for Les Bleus, his expert set piece delivery and Champions League experience could see the Eagles rise even higher than their record 10th place finish of last year.

Past three-meetings…

Crystal Palace 1 (Puncheon) Norwich 1 (Johnson), Premier League, November 2013

Norwich 1 (Hooper) Crystal Palace 0 ,Premier League, January 2014

Crystal Palace 0 Norwich 0, Championship, January 2011

Form guide…

Norwich pre-season: WWWLWLLW

Crystal Palace pre-season: WWLDLWL

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: Saturday, 3pm

TV: Highlights on BBC1