Norwich City travel to Aston Villa on Saturday looking to put a disappointing performance and result against Newcastle United last time out behind them.
The Canaries lost 3-0 at home to Eddie Howe's side last weekend, a result that leaves the team 10 points from safety. The match at Aston Villa represents one of five games left to play for this season, so the team will be going all out for the victory on Saturday to boost their survival chances.
**The opposition**
Aston Villa recorded a 2-0 win over Norwich City in mid December, with Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins scoring. They have since recorded convincing wins over Everton, Brighton, Southampton and Aston Villa, but four defeats from their last four games has stalled their progress somewhat.
However, in Ollie Watkins they have a striker who has recently impressed on international duty with England and netted in the 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. They also have creativity in the likes of former Norwich playmaker Emi Buendía and Philipe Coutinho, on loan from Barcelona, who can create and score goals at this level.
However, in Ollie Watkins they have a striker who has recently impressed on international duty with England and netted in the 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. They also have creativity in the likes of former Norwich playmaker Emi Buendía and Philipe Coutinho, on loan from Barcelona, who can create and score goals at this level.
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**Head-to-head**
Aston Villa hold the upper hand in terms of the head-to-head record winning 35 of the 73 games the clubs have played between each other. Norwich have 22 victories over Aston Villa, 21 of those have been in the league with the one FA Cup victory coming in January 1984.
One of the most memorable league encounters, from a Norwich perspective, came in March 1993 when both sides were battling for the inaugural Premier League title. Norwich won with a late goal from John Polston. It was a win that took the Canaries top of the table, but both sides were pipped to the title by Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
One of the most memorable league encounters, from a Norwich perspective, came in March 1993 when both sides were battling for the inaugural Premier League title. Norwich won with a late goal from John Polston. It was a win that took the Canaries top of the table, but both sides were pipped to the title by Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
**Ref watch**
John Brooks is the referee for Saturday's match with Aston Villa, with Wade Smith and Adam Nunn as the assistants.
Brooks has only officiated three Premier League games having refereed extensively in the Sky Bet Championship for the past three seasons. He was in charge of our Emirates FA Cup defeat to Barnsley last January and our 2-2 draw with Preston North End at Carrow Road in September 2020.
He has taken charge of 17 games this season, the majority of which have been in the second tier, and shown 59 yellow cards and one red.
He has taken charge of 17 games this season, the majority of which have been in the second tier, and shown 59 yellow cards and one red.
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How to follow
Away and junior members will have access to live audio commentary of Saturday's game against Aston Villa (3pm KO).
Following the launch of our new website, match-by-match passes are now no longer available. Audio commentary is exclusive to away and junior members for this game.
Click here for more information on how to access audio commentary for matches this season.
Please email supporterrelations@canaries.co.uk if you have any queries.