KaiserslauternKaiserslauternvs.NorwichNorwich City

Meanwhile, the German outfit are bidding to up their preparations ahead of another season in the 2. Bundesliga.

Match preview

After their poor end to last season, Norwich fans may have been less than enthused about their development under David Wagner, yet there are now reasons for the Canaries to be optimistic.

On the back of an opening friendly with Barnet which ended in a 1-1 draw, victories have since been posted over King's Lynn Town - by a 6-1 scoreline - and Darmstadt 98 who they defeated by the solitary goal.

Overcoming Bundesliga opposition on German territory is an impressive feat with midfielder Marcelino Nunez netting the only strike of the game.

Wagner named a strong side for that particular meeting but 20 of his outfield players all got minutes on the pitch, suggesting that he is building some strength-in-depth.

Tougher tests are to follow this contest, yet Wagner will be eager for his side to maintain the momentum that has already been built since the resumption of action.

While Darmstadt were earning promotion to the Bundesliga last season, Kaiserslautern could only finish in mid-table in the second tier, winning just 11 of their 34 matches.

That said, it was a respectable achievement for the Red Devils in their first campaign back at that level after previously securing promotion in 2021-22.

Dirk Schuster will now hope that his side can build on last season's exploits, the aim to restore the club to their former status in the top flight.

Kaiserslautern played two international friendlies in the United States back in June, seeing off Louisville City FC before losing to Minnesota United by a 2-1 scoreline.

Kaiserslautern friendly form:

Norwich City friendly form:

D

W

W

Team News

Of the players who started the match with Minnesota, each of the 11 players are still at Kaiserslautern and may begin this contest.

Their league campaign gets underway on July 29 and Schuster may wish to see how his best players fare against an English side.

Wagner is most likely to drop the likes of Ben Gibson and Kenny McLean for this fixture, the Norwich pair having played the most minutes - 74 to be precise - on Wednesday.

Andrew Omobamidele could feature in the centre of defence, while Jacob Sorensen may be preferred in the middle of the pitch.

Ashley Barnes may also return in attack, but Borja Sainz will be sidelined until October with an ankle injury.

Kaiserslautern possible starting lineup:

Luthe; Elvedi, Puchacz, Tomiak, Zimmer, Klement, Niehues, Opoku, Redondo, Boyd, Ritter

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Krul; Stacey, Duffy, Omobamidele, Giannoulis; Gibbs, Sorensen, Nunez; Hernandez, Rowe, Barnes

We say: Kaiserslautern 0-2 Norwich City

Wagner may look to tinker with his side after their efforts earlier in the week, handing chances to more fringe players. Nevertheless, the Canaries appear to be oozing confidence right now, and we feel that they will post another win at the weekend.

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