West Brom V Norwich at The Hawthorns : Match Preview

Hodgson unconcerned by goal drought West Brom boss Roy Hodgson insists he is not worried about his team's lack of goals, despite them failing to find the net in their last three Barclays Premier League matches. The Baggies are also the division's lowest scorers at home, with just seven goals in 10 games at The Hawthorns. However, Hodgson believes there are mitigating circumstances for their goal drought. "I don't compartmentalise to that extent," he said ahead of Saturday`s game with Norwich. "We didn't score against Everton, a weakened team failed to score against Tottenham and I don't think that's such a major surprise. "We got back to scoring goals against Cardiff (in the FA Cup) which is good, and lets hope that will continue tomorrow." Despite his team's lack of success in front of goal, Hodgson believes he is not in desperate need of a striker during the January transfer window. "I wouldn't say so necessarily," he said. "Obviously, like everyone else at this level of football, if you can bring in two or three players in various positions at this stage of the season and let some players who have maybe not featured in your team move on and get regular football, you're happy to take that chance when it comes along. "We're not unhappy with the squad we've got. I believe that the group of players we've got will get us through the season and help us to achieve our goals. "But I would be lying if I didn't also say it would be good for the club if we could bring in several new faces." West Brom on Friday unveiled their first signing of the transfer window in midfielder Scott Allan, who was signed from Dundee United in a deal worth around #300,00 and has gone straight into the squad for the game with Norwich. Meanwhile, Norwich manager Paul Lambert admits he is frustrated he cannot attract players in the transfer window because the club cannot compete with the wages paid by the rest of the Premier League. Lambert has handed a list of targets to the club but so far has drawn a blank in his attempts to persuade anyone to go to Carrow Road. And that is despite a stirring first half of the season which has seen Norwich in the top half of the table with a healthy 25 points and playing free-flowing football. Lambert said: "We're not making inroads. It's frustrating. We can't do the wages, that is a problem. "The lads need a hand but you have to bring them (reinforcements) in to play. It's no good bringing people in here that I think are not going to play or be a squad player or just make up the numbers. "At the minute we are not making any headway. "People have the wrong perception of the money Norwich have got to spend. You hear funds are available all the time, but when you look at the prices we can't compete with that. We are nowhere near. It's hard. "The club two years ago was flat on its face. We have a structure here which might stabilise it, but you still have to get players in you think could help. "You'd love to be linked with players of #10million and #12million and pay their wages but we're not and that's the reality of it." Norwich visit the Hawthorns with revenge on their minds, considering Roy Hodgson's side won 1-0 at Carrow Road earlier this season. They can also strike a psychological blow ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Albion later this month Lambert said: "We are playing very well. We look as if we can hurt teams and we are going there with a lot of confidence. I've got no problem with the lads who are here, they have been brilliant for me this season." Goalkeeper John Ruddy, who returns after missing the FA Cup win against Burnley after his partner gave birth to their daughter, will be looking to keep the first clean sheet of the season. Lambert will make a late decision on defender Marc Tierney after a groin problem while Elliott Ward and James Vaughan are back in training after knee injuries but still a couple of weeks off returning.

West Brom V Norwich - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.

Source: PA

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