Norwich City’s pre-season campaign takes a drastic step up in quality as they travel to Switzerland to face St Gallen. Philippe Clement’s side have kick-started their Championship preparations with behind-closed-doors matches. These earlier fixtures were against King’s Lynn Town and Colchester United. A win and a draw were the outcomes of those initial games.
St Gallen’s Final Pre-Season Test
For St Gallen, this clash marks their final pre-season game. This match comes before they enter competitive action. Enrico Maassen’s side prepare for a Europa League qualifier next Thursday. Their opponents in that qualifier will be Benfica. St Gallen enjoyed a successful 2025/26 season, winning the Swiss Cup. They also finished inside the UEFA Europa League qualifying places. The club finished second in the Swiss Super League. Thun won the league in their first campaign after promotion to the top flight, finishing ahead of St Gallen. This game serves as a dress rehearsal ahead of the season’s start for the Swiss club.
Norwich City’s Intensity Build-Up
City’s focus has been on stepping up their fitness. Earlier pre-season fixtures were also about blowing out the cobwebs. Tonight’s game against St Gallen sees the dial shift more towards football. This travel overseas is braced for a bigger test for Norwich City. The match is a tough test for Clement’s men. They aim to add intensity to their game before their competitive opener. That competitive opener is against MK Dons on August 8 in the Carabao Cup.
Squad News and Player Involvement
Midfield duo Mirko Topic and Gabe Forsyth are currently sidelined through injury. They look to build up to the new season. Errol Mundle-Smith was absent with a hamstring concern. Vladan Kovacevic is expected to return to the squad. He had missed last weekend’s game as Clement sought to rotate minutes among his keeper stable.
There could be minutes for a host of returning players and new additions:
- Andre Brooks
- Ante Crnac
- Ben Chrisene
- Papa Amadou Diallo
- Amankwah Forson
Jovon Makama will be looking for more involvement. He played 45 minutes at Colney last weekend. City’s World Cup contingent are yet to link back up with Clement’s squad. They have been afforded a longer break. The first group of returnees are expected to report back next week.
Looking Ahead for Clement’s Men
This game is a dress rehearsal ahead of the season’s start for both clubs. Norwich City’s pre-season campaign continues to build intensity. This trip overseas provides a bigger test for Philippe Clement’s squad.