Norwich V Tottenham at Carrow Road - Match Preview




Hughton wants more capital joy

Chris Hughton has urged Norwich to build on their strong form by completing their mastery of north London with victory over Tottenham.

The Canaries host Spurs in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup buoyed after securing four points from their last two Barclays Premier League outings.

Ten days ago they sprang the upset of the season so far by defeating Arsenal 1-0 and Hughton hopes they will continue fighting for every result.

"There aren't many teams that will win this competition so if you have an opportunity to progress it's a big plus for the club," he said.

"It's a massive game and we want to make progress in the Capital One Cup. We've had some lows this season, but the morale has always been good.

"We accept what we are as a club and accept that nothing will come to us easily. We have to fight for what we get.

"But we are in good form at the moment with a win and draw from our last two games lifting everybody."

Norwich drew 1-1 at White Hart Lane last month and Hughton admits they have no fear of Spurs, even if they have shown a marked improvement in recent weeks.

"Tottenham are a wonderful club that play a fabulous brand of football," he said.

"They're in great form and have been finding greater consistency.

"We don't know what side they will put out and they're perhaps in a different place now compared to then.

"Their season is going well now. They have a lot of quality in the team.

"But the fact we gave a good account of ourselves at White Hart Lane gives us confidence that we will do ok tomorrow.

"We're at home and we must make sure we'll give our crowd plenty to cheer about."

Steffen Freund owes Hughton a lot, but the German is determined to get one over on his former colleague.

Spurs will book their place in the quarter-finals of the cup that Freund lifted in 1999 if they overcome Hughton's Norwich.

Andre Villas-Boas may not know much about Hughton's time at White Hart Lane, but the 53-year-old played a big part in Freund's life when the midfielder swapped Germany for north London 14 years ago.

Back then Freund barely spoke a word of English and he will forever be indebted to Hughton, then the club's assistant manager, for helping him ease in to life in the English capital.

"He helped me a lot in the beginning," said Freund, who then went on to enjoy five successful years at the club.

"My English is still not good enough now, but at that time I could not speak one word and he helped me.

"He helped me settle here in London and he helped me to play well for Tottenham. He is a fantastic person.

"He played 14 years for Tottenham Hotspur. He is a legend, and I am looking forward to see him on Wednesday, but of course I would love to beat him."

Spurs returned to winning ways on Sunday when they defeated Southampton 2-1 at St Mary's Stadium.

The Londoners, who are up to fourth in the league, are now hoping to go on a run in both the league and Capital One Cup to build momentum ahead of the busy festive period.

"This is a chance to win some silverware," Freund said.

"We beat Carlisle away after a good performance last time, especially in the second half. To go there and win 3-0 wasn't easy, although now we are playing a Premier League side away.

"The Southampton game was an important win for us, though.

"We are fourth in the table for the first time and that is really positive for all of us. It was a great atmosphere in training."


Source: PA

Source: PA