Olly Lee's side return to Premier League 2 action on Saturday afternoon, making the trip to Southampton for a 4pm kick-off.
The young Canaries will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday night's disappointment, having been knocked out of the National League Cup following a 3-1 defeat against Braintree Town. Attentions now turn to a Southampton side who remain unbeaten in the league this season.
Finlay Corke had drawn Norwich level five minutes after falling behind, but the forward was dismissed shortly before half-time. The hosts, who were also fighting to keep their qualification hopes alive, capitalised on their numerical advantage, scoring twice either side of the interval to secure victory.
However, the result ultimately proved insufficient, with both sides exiting the competition.
The Opposition
Adam Lallana's young Saints currently sit level on points with the Canaries, but have a game in hand, which could see them move to the top of the Premier League 2 table.
Boasting the division's joint-best defensive record, having conceded just four goals in their opening five league fixtures, Southampton will be looking to make it five league wins on the bounce, having only dropped points in their opening fixture against West Ham in August.
The Saints were last in action on Monday night, when a hat-trick from Princewill Ehibhatiomhan, alongside goals from Aston Daley and Sufianu Sillah Dibaga, secured a convincing 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace.
Away from league action, Southampton were also involved in the National League Cup, but exited the competition after finishing sixth in Group D. Their only victory came in an extraordinary 6-5 win over Ken Aboh's Boston United.
The Saints are also competing in the Premier League Cup, where they currently sit top of Group A after victories over Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers. In addition, they are featuring in the Premier League International Cup, sitting fifth following a draw with Juventus in their opening fixture.
PL2 - As it Stands
Southampton, Chelsea and Norwich currently sit joint-second in the Premier League 2 table on 13 points, just three behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur, although the Saints have a game in hand over Spurs.
Pos. | Name | PLD | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tottenham Hotspur | 6 | +9 | 16 |
2 | Southampton | 5 | +8 | 13 |
3 | Chelsea | 6 | +6 | 13 |
4 | Norwich City | 6 | +4 | 13 |
5 | Nottingham Forest | 6 | 0 | 12 |
With Tottenham's Under-21s not in league action this weekend, victory would see Adam Lallana's side move to the summit. The Canaries also have the opportunity to climb top, provided they can secure a win by five or more goals.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest, who sit just a point behind Norwich, are in action on Friday night as they take on Leicester City.