Hull City v Norwich: Canaries are better than Leeds United claims Tigers chief Nigel Adkins

HULL CITY head coach Nigel Adkins has lavished praise on tonight's opponents Norwich City by declaring: 'They are top of the league for a reason.'
Nigel Adkins.Nigel Adkins.
Nigel Adkins.

The Tigers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing weekend defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.

Two goals inside four minutes just after the hour did the damage as City slipped a place to second bottom.

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It was a setback for a side who had taken seven points from their previous three games and Adkins wants to see a response against the table-topping Canaries.

“Norwich play out from the back,” he said. “You talk about Nottingham Forest keeping possession, they will keep possession a hell of a lot more than that.

“They will be a far tougher opponent than Nottingham Forest. They pass the ball for fun.”

Adkins has not been averse to praising opposition teams this season.

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After losing 1-0 at home to Leeds United in early October, he declared Marcelo Bielsa’s men to be “one of the best teams I have seen in the Championship for many years”.

Four days later, Hull lost 1-0 at Sheffield United and Adkins was again effusive in his praise.

He even went so far as to predict a Yorkshire hat-trick in the promotion race that would see Leeds, the Blades and Middlesbrough all prevail.

Since then, however, Norwich have been on a stirring run with the last six games having yielded a maximum 18 points.

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The latest victory for Daniel Farke’s men came on Saturday as Swansea City were blown away 4-1 at the Liberty Stadium.

“I have watched the footage of Norwich and they are top of the league for a reason,” said Adkins, who will be without Daniel Batty due to a calf injury and the suspended striker Fraizer Campbell.

“They are an excellent side. I thought Leeds were good but Norwich are probably better,” he said.

“They will present a problem for us and they have got dynamic movement up front.

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“It is going to be testing for us. We are conscious of that but we will roll our sleeves up and be ready.”

Last six games: Hull City DLWWDL, Norwich City WWLWWW.

Referee: G Eltringham (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Hull City 4 Norwich City 3; March 10, 2018; Championship.