Manager looks ahead to Saturday's meeting with Aston Villa

CHRIS Hughton recognises the importance of Norwich City’s form at Carrow Road – although is keen to ensure they don’t become too dependent on the points accumulated on home turf.

Speaking to the press prior to this weekend’s visit of Aston Villa, Hughton, who has seen his side lose just once at home in 11 matches, says the game represents a good opportunity for victory.

“We have a very good record at home, and even though we’re up against a good team in Aston Villa, irrespective of who the opposition are, we have to look at it as an opportunity of getting three points,” he said.

“I think if you asked any coach around the country, he’ll always say there’s more of an advantage playing at home than away from home. Is life easier at home? The stats will say yes it is.

“We are only four games into the season, but it is about getting the right formulae to get points away from home too. I’m sure any manager in my position wouldn’t want to just rely on home games.

“We will be tested because they are a young and exciting side. They have good offensive options and are going to play a certain way which makes it difficult for you, but I’ll go back to what I said – it’s about trying to win football matches.”

• You can watch Chris Hughton's pre-Aston Villa press conference in full on Canaries Player HERE

He added that the team has taken plenty from last week’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur – a performance that didn’t reach the levels Hughton and the players expect.

“I think there are always lessons to be learned,” he said.

“The Tottenham result was disappointing because I felt we could have given a better account of ourselves in that game.

“We’re not shy to say that we were disappointed with our performance, but that’s the beauty with this game – you always have another match.”

Hughton outlined a clean bill of health ahead of the game, with long-term absentee Elliott Bennett, who agreed a new two-year contract extension on Thursday, the only member of the first-team squad unavailable.

“We’re ok actually. Elliott, as everyone’s aware, is a longer term one, but apart from that we are injury-free, which is very good news. I have good options to choose from.”

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