Norwich City v Hull: Johannes Hoff Thorup match preview

The Canaries are 11 months to the day unbeaten in NR1 and have shown real signs of improvement under Thorup since the most recent international break in September, taking seven points from a possible 12. 

Hull are enjoying signs of progress under their new boss Tim Walter, and arrive at Carrow Road having won each of their last three matches. 

Thorup believes that the Tigers will pose a threat unlike most sides in the Championship that will require a mental focus from his side to implement their own stamp on proceedings in pursuit of another victory. 

"Three wins in a row. In form. I think they have done well," Thorup said on Walter's improving side. "It's maybe going to be one of the games this season that is most different compared to the others.

"They build the game in a different way compared to the other teams that we have played so far. They have a lot of rotations within the team and a lot of movements inside their positions as well - something that we highlighted today for the players because it needs concentration from us.

"It is a different way of building the game, with their goalkeeper being involved a lot and their centre-backs daring to dribble and step up to midfield positions. We have to be front-footed but also focused on the collective stuff and how we deal with that." 

Like Norwich, Hull have seen a host of changes to their football structure over the summer, the highest profile of which was the controversial decision to replace Liam Rosenior with former Hamburg coach Walter. 

After a slow start, both teams have found form and share near identical records heading into this encounter, but Thorup is determined to continue City's progression with a victory to round off a period of progress as they head into the October international break. 

Hull arrive at Carrow Road in good spirits after three straight victories. (Image: PA) "I've been sitting here for weeks and telling the supporters that it will take time but we and I have an obligation to be able to perform still week to week. I cannot just sit here every week and tell the story that it will take time. That's how it is.

"I still have the ambition that this team can be even better. Hopefully, when we look at this team in December, it will be even better than now. That's how we try to work," City's boss said.

"It goes the same with Hull. They also needed to implement their style, but good things take time. You can see that they are getting better and better.

"It's an important one. It's at home again, and we'd like to give the fans another good experience at home, a win, performance, and scoring a lot of goals. That would be great because it would give us a great lead into the next block of games. Since the last break, we have done well, and with another win, it's a great period."

This game is the final of a busy week for the Canaries after games against Derby and Leeds in the last seven days. 

A host of City players ended their midweek draw against Leeds with ice packs or limps owing to the effort they put into that clash in order to extract a point against Daniel Farke's promotion favourites. 

Thorup admits that will prompt a change in approach for this game, with changes likely as City attempt to negate the workload that has gone into their recent matches. 

"I think they are [tired]. That's how it is when you play a three-game week after the second one and it will be the same after tomorrow, the lads will be tired," the Dane said. 

"It's also about learning and development to be able to push their body to the limit. We will make some changes and in-game changes, maybe a little bit earlier than what we've done so far this season.

Norwich City may need to make earlier changes after a busy week of Championship action. (Image: Andy Sumner/Focus Images Ltd) "That could be a plan, so we make sure that we have energy for 90 minutes. It's also about learning to play three games in a week. It will not be the first time this season.

"Fortunately, we have had a day more in between compared to the Derby and Leeds game. I hope we have used the time well; we have to rest them as much as possible and prepare for the game tomorrow on the pitch. Hopefully, they will be ready again.

"But, as I said to the guys out there today, expect that there will be more changes tomorrow and that it could be that we do substitutions earlier than normal. That is how it is.

"We are dependent on guys who are able to play three games in a row. We will get answers, but my feeling is that we're in a good place, and there is a great belief in what we do."