We created so many chances today. "A few of their players came off the pitch and apologised which probably tells you the story of the game. I don't think they felt they deserved to win and I don't think we deserved to lose. You can't get away with conceding a goal like that to a team that possesses a lot of really top players. "There were a few scary moments in the first half, they came to counter attack and pounce on any mistakes which they had the athleticism to do.
READ MORE: Luton Town backed to get result against Norwich on Boxing Day as Dean Smith claim made Smith believes he is still the right man to turn things around and will be looking to silence his critics with a good start to the second-half of the campaign. Ahead of facing Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Boxing Day, Norwich are currently nine points adrift of the automatic promotion spots and 12 off from league leaders Burnley. Sheffield United, currently 2nd, are six points ahead of Blackburn in third, while Watford (4th) and Queens Park Rangers make up the rest of the top six. Here, we take a look at the next six fixtures for those currently fighting for promotion in the Championship. Burnley – 1st (47 pts, +22 gd) December 27 – Birmingham City (H) December 30 – Stoke City (A) January 2 – Swansea City (A) January 14 – Coventry City (H) January 20 – West Bromwich Albion (H) January 28 – Millwall (A) Sheffield United – 2nd (44 pts, +18 gd) December 26 – Coventry City (H) December 29 – Blackpool (A) January 2 – Queens Park Rangers (A) January 14 – Stoke City (H) January 20 – Hull City (H) January 28 – Reading (A) Blackburn Rovers – 3rd (39 pts, +1 gd) December 26 – Sunderland (A) December 29 – Middlesbrough (H) January 1 – Cardiff City (H) January 14 – Rotherham United (A) January 21 – Bristol City (A) January 28 – Blackpool (H) Norwich City lost 2-0 at Carrow Road against Championship promotion rivals Blackburn Rovers before Christmas (Image: David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images) Watford – 4th (37 pts, +8 gd) December 26 – Millwall (H) December 30 – Swansea City (A) January 2 – Norwich City (A) January 14 – Blackpool (H) January 21 – Rotherham United (H) January 28 – Middlesbrough (A) Norwich City – 5th (35 pts, +5 gd) December 26 – Luton Town (A) December 30 – Reading (H) January 2 – Watford (H) January 14 – Preston North End (A) January 21 – Coventry City (A) January 28 – Birmingham City (H) Queens Park Rangers – 6th (34 pts, 0 gd) December 26 – Cardiff City (A) December 29 – Luton Town (H) January 2 – Sheffield United (H) January 14 – Reading (A) January 21 – Swansea City (H) January 28 – Hull City (A) READ NEXT Martin O'Neill points out Norwich City 'relegation' problem amid positive Dean Smith prediction Chris Sutton shares verdict on Dean Smith's Norwich City future after Blackburn Rovers loss Dean Smith tells Norwich City how to turn things around ahead of Luton Town Championship fixture Former Norwich City winger makes Emi Buendia point as pressure builds on Dean Smith 'We understand' - Grant Hanley's honest admission after Norwich City's loss vs Blackburn Rovers Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Coventry City in 'chase' for Wolves man ahead of January transfer window Coventry City have been linked along with several other clubs in
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Connor Ronan ahead of the January transfer
We gave them a few moments like that and there was a lack of composure and a lack of real belief in what they're doing. As the game went on that was less and less and I don't think they got close to our goal in the second-half. " The Swans made a string of errors in the opening minutes, with Ben Cabango twice intervening to shutout Dean Smith's side. However, following the first mistake in the early seconds of the contest, Norwich scored from the resulting corner as Pukki was left unmarked to lash home at the back post. And Martin bemoaned his side's defending after revealing that players were given extensive detail on the Canaries' set-piece threats in the build-up to the fixture.
Sheffield United's unusual kick-off time against Championship strugglers Blackpool explained ... their last game, and Blades winning theirs against Coventry City,
against fellow relegation strugglers Hull City and Cardiff
Swansea City's game vs Coventry City shrouded in uncertainty as stadium eviction notice issued Swansea City's next Championship away fixture against Coventry City has
been thrown into doubt after the Sky Blues released a
Reading vs Coventry City TV channel, live stream and how to watch Championship clash Despite the Saturday blackout being suspended during the World Cup, Sky
Blues' match has not been selected to be shown on Sky Sports and
Swansea's game v Coventry City shrouded in uncertainty as eviction notice issuedSwansea City's next Championship away fixture against Coventry City has been thrown into doubt after the Sky Blues released a statement confirming that they have received an eviction notice from their ground. Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley's Frasers Group bought the CBS Arena, where Coventry play, a fortnight ago after the holding company filed for administration. And on Monday it was reported by the BBC that Frasers say the Sky Blues have no continuing right to use the ground unless a new licence is agreed.
Burroughs has been starting in the right wing-back slot in recent games but the return of Fankaty Dabo to fitness and his eye-catching cameo on Boxing Day puts him back in contention for a start following a spell out injured. The back three continues to pick itself in the absence of the injured Kyle McFadzean and any other recognised senior centre-back at the club, which means Michael Rose, Callum Doyle and Jonathan Panzo continue in front of Ben Wilson in goal, assuming Robins isn’t tempted to make a switch back to Simon Moore after City have shipped six goals in their last three games – not that Wilson has been solely to blame. As for the other end of the pitch, the division’s leading scorer Gyokeres picks himself and it’s just a question of whether the manager sticks with the Swede up top on his own or gives Martyn Waghorn a start alongside him. Predicted City team to face Cardiff: Ben Wilson; Michael Rose, Callum Doyle, Jonathan Panzo; Fankaty Dabo, Gus Hamer, Ben Sheaf, Jake Bidwell; Kasey Palmer, Jamie Allen; Viktor Gyokeres.
"The amount of detail that went into set-pieces, and it panned out exactly as they were shown, so that's the frustrating bit, " he added. "This season has been interspersed with moments like that. "I thought we were better than them today, I thought we were really dominant. " Swansea return to action against Coventry City on Saturday. READ NEXT: Swansea City star clapped back into training Swansea City 0-1 Norwich City: Early Teemu Pukki strike earns Canaries victory Swansea City fan jury: January transfer demands, Russell Martin's contract and the players we need to see more of Cooper's Wales aim, Jason Levien visits Swansea and Paterson to benefit most from Scotland camp Sign-up to our Swansea City newsletter for FREE! Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Russell Martin left feeling sick as Norwich City players apologise to himRussell Martin said he felt sick after Swansea City's 1-0 defeat to Norwich City. Teemu Pukki struck in the opening minute to earn the Canaries all three points at the Swansea. com Stadium, although the hosts created numerous chances to claim something from the contest. Defeat leaves Martin's men winless in their last six matches, although the head coach said Norwich players apologised to him after the game, such were the performances of the two sides. READ MORE:Swansea City 0-1 Norwich City: Early Teemu Pukki strike earns Canaries victory "I feel sick to be honest, " he said. "We've paid for a mad two minutes at the start of the game and a lack of conviction, composure in the box.
Coming two minutes into the re-start in the second half, it would have put City back on level terms in a game in which they hadn’t played that badly to that point. Gyokeres scored with a rare but brilliant header 15 minutes from time to underline his quality and keep him at the top of the Championship scoring charts along with Middlesbrough’s Chuba Akpom, both of whom have 12 league goals. But he clearly needs a bit of direction in terms of his penalty taking technique, given that he missed from the spot at Barnsley last season. Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City looks dejected at the end of the game Deficiency through inconsistency This was the one fixture that Sheffield-born Kyle McFadzean identified as the game of the season for him when the fixtures were first out in the summer.
Cardiff City v Blackpool kick-off time, TV channel, live stream details and team news The game gets under way at 3pm on Saturday, December 17. Is Cardiff City v
Blackpool on TV? Yes, the match will be broadcast on Sky
Chelsea v Bournemouth kick-off time, TV channel and Amazon live stream info ... games for you today. Yesterday saw Brentford v Spurs, Crystal Palace v
Fulham, Everton v Wolves, Leicester City v Newcastle
READ NEXT Coventry City boss 'fears worst' after Callum O'Hare stretchered off City boss provides Tyler Walker injury update and addresses transfer rumour Mark Robins spells out City recruitment numbers for January window City's transfer 'limbo' as Robins waits on figurehead to plug injury gaps 'Out for months' - Coventry City suffer double injury blow Get the latest Coventry City news straight to your inbox by subscribing to our free daily newsletterStory SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Coventry City notebook: Transfer embargo latest as January recruitment plan at the ready Coventry City were today dusting themselves down after Saturday's
Sheffield United aside – with Cardiff, Bristol City in the league
Cause for concern and perspective needed - Coventry City match analysisCoventry City suffered a Boxing Day setback at second placed Sheffield United in an eventful game at Bramall Lane. Things got off to a bad start with the sight of star man Callum O’Hare going down injured in the second minute and having to be carried off on a stretcher, with manager Mark Robins later admitting he fears the worst in terms of a long-term injury. Then, after conceding the opening goal from a slick counter attack, the Sky Blues passed up the opportunity of an equaliser when Jake Bidwell was tripped in the box.
Norwich's next 6 Championship fixtures compared to Burnley, Watford and moreWe’re halfway through the Championship season and it has been a frustrating campaign so far for Norwich City. After topping the second-tier in 2018/19 and 2020/21 under Daniel Farke, the Canaries were tipped to do just that under Dean Smith this season. However, Norwich have found it tough going so far. With ten wins and five draws in 23 games, the Canaries currently occupy 5th in the table as pressure mounts up on Smith. Fans called for the former Aston Villa boss to be sacked after another disappointing defeat at Carrow Road on Saturday against promotion rivals Blackburn Rovers, with Norwich picking up just one win in their last seven home matches.
Major Mike Ashley and Coventry City stadium update as CBS Arena future becomes clear Coventry City have agreed a short-term deal to stay at the CBS Arena,
over a busy festive period against Cardiff and Bristol
"We were surprised to learn of this intention by Frasers Group, given that discussions with Coventry City prior to the completion of their purchase of the Arena led us to understand the existing terms would continue unchanged with Frasers Group as the new owners of the Arena. "Coventry City Football Club has an existing long-term licence to play at the Arena, which was agreed in March 2021 to run until 2031. "Frasers Group have now presented to Coventry City a new agreement with new commercial terms, which have been presented to us without any dialogue or negotiations, and are less favourable to the Football Club.
Blackpool capture of Coventry City duo ahead of January transfer window importance pinpointed READ MORE: Mark Hudson addresses Blackpool, Michael Appleton and issues
Cardiff City injury update. The pair have been brought into
Coventry City predicted team vs Cardiff amid forced changeCoventry City are looking to get back to winning ways when they entertain Cardiff at the CBS Arena on Thursday night (7. 45pm). The Sky Blues will chalk up their first league double of the Championship season if they beat the Bluebirds who travel to the West Midlands without a win in their last five matches, having drawn their last three and lost two before that. Mark Hudson’s men currently sit just two places above the relegation zone, having won just twice in 11 games since Mark Robins’ men beat them 1-0 in Cardiff in mid October, courtesy of a first half goal from Viktor Gyokeres.
Dreadful defending followed as the visitors trailed 3-0 until a consolation goal 15 minutes from time. Here are some of the big talking points from the 3-1 defeat in South Yorkshire. READ MORE: Coventry City boss 'fears worst' after Callum O'Hare stretchered off READ MORE: City player ratings: Injury blow, costly penalty miss and red card Turning point and technique The turning point of the game was clearly Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty miss early in the second half. The Sky Blues’ leading scorer must have been confident from the spot, having scored the late winner from 12 yards out against West Brom in the previous match. But the big Swede’s effort was hit down the middle and seemed to lack a bit of conviction, allowing goalkeeper Wes Foderingham to drop to the deck and make what looked like a comfortable save.
Coventry City predicted team vs Cardiff amid forced change as competition hots up for places Gus Hamer and Ben Sheaf are expected to continue in the midfield holding
roles, although Liam Kelly is fit and available to push for more
READ MORE: Coventry City address reported Norwich 'approach' for Mark Robins READ MORE: Fresh update on City's proposed takeover approval by the EFL Although having kept with the same starting line up for the previous three matches, Robins will be forced to make at least one change following Callum O’Hare’s suspected knee injury that he suffered in the second minute of the 3-1 Boxing Day defeat at Sheffield United. Kasey Palmer replaced him at Bramall Lane and will be favourite to start alongside Jamie Allen at the top of a midfield box, assuming the manager sticks with the same 3-4-2-1 formation. Gus Hamer and Ben Sheaf are expected to continue in the midfield holding roles, although Liam Kelly is fit and available to push for more match minutes after getting half an hour under his belt on Monday afternoon, while Jake Bidwell is once again expected to be deployed at left wing-back in the absence of any natural competition other than the versatile Jack Burroughs who can operate on the left if required.
In addition, this licence would only run until May 2023. "Frasers Group have said they would negotiate for beyond May 2023, but this leaves us without the security and certainty that our current deal provides to us and our fans. "To confirm, Coventry City are happy to continue under terms of the current licence which we already have in place to play at the Arena. "Following Frasers Group’s purchase of the Arena, one of the great assets of the City of Coventry, they stated they were ‘looking forward to working with Coventry City Football Club’. "Coventry City hope that they will act on those words for the good of the Arena, the Football Club, our fans and the City and community that they are now part of.
The veteran centre-half still lives in the Steel City and would have been in the stands watching on Monday afternoon as he continues to recover from a calf tear that’s set to keep him out for three months. But how his team-mates could have done with him on the pitch against his boyhood club whom he supports and where he started his career.
The club's existing licence runs until 2031, but they say the proposed new one would expire in May 2023. READ MORE: Swansea City transfer news as target destined for Leeds United exit amid Newcastle and West Ham interest Ashley's group believe they are not bound by the old licence because it was agreed with the stadium's former owners, Wasps rugby club, who went into administration in October. It now shrouds Coventry's next home fixture into doubt, though, with Russell Martin's Swansea the next team to face the west Midlands club, with the Championship club issuing a statement to confirm earlier reports of an eviction notice being served were true.
Spot-kick confidence in question, cause for concern and perspective needed - Coventry City match analysis Coventry City suffered a Boxing Day setback at second placed Sheffield
United in an eventful game at Bramall