Norwich City continue their preparations for the new season with a friendly against Jahn Regensburg on Saturday.
The fixture in Germany represents the first of five matches in two weeks ahead of their return to Championship action at the end of the month.
Match preview
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In previous seasons, Norwich have wasted little time in making signings during the early stages of pre-season, a consequence of their constant promotions and relegations.
However, Dean Smith has taken a different approach to his predecessor Daniel Farke, instead overseeing a number of outgoings at a time when the squad has been boosted by the return of several loanees.
There will come a time when that approach will change, the Canaries in need of multiple fresh faces ahead of attempting to earn promotion from the Championship.
As it stands, Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden is the only arrival at Carrow Road, but it mattered little as Norwich breezed past Dereham Town in their first action of the summer.
Jordan Hugill and Kieran Dowell were among the goalscorers as Smith opted to give no more than 45 minutes to any of his squad.
While Norwich do not get their campaign underway until July 30, Jahn Regensburg are due to start the 2. Bundesliga season two weeks earlier.
The Red Shorts only finished eight points clear of the relegation zone in 2021-22, and Mersad Selimbegovic will hope for a much-improved effort this time around.
Jahn Regensburg have already played three games against lower-level opposition, the most recent encounter with Bayreuth ending in a goalless draw.
Before that outing, 10-3 and 6-2 victories had been recorded over Fortuna Regensburg and Zwickau respectively.
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Team News
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After the victory at Dereham, Smith acknowledged that he wanted to ensure that as many players as possible were able to get 45 minutes in their legs.
On the back of a productive pre-season trip to Germany, Smith may want to keep everyone involved by taking a similar approach.
Five more fixtures follow this contest so the Norwich boss may place more focus on fitness over forming long-lasting partnerships in different areas of the pitch.
Selimbegovic will look to further integrate his seven first-team additions ahead of next week's opening league fixture against Darmstadt.
Goalkeeper Dejan Stojanovic has recently linked up with Jahn Regensburg on a two-year deal from Middlesbrough.
We say: Jahn Regensburg 0-3 Norwich City
With Smith wanting to step up the intensity of Norwich's preparations, we expect a strong performance from the Canaries. While they may not sustain a high level for 90 minutes, there should still be enough in the tank for a comfortable win.
Darren Plant
