Verdict: Manchester City win to nil
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
In a real showdown between two sides battling it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, Manchester City will make the trip to relegation scrappers Norwich on Saturday evening.
Norwich City
Starting with the hosts, while Norwich would have been disappointed to have only collected a single point at home against Crystal Palace in midweek, the Yellows have found a much-needed boost over recent times. Shocking many across the Premier League last weekend and picking up a 1-0 win away at Wolves on FA Cup duties, Dean Smith’s new squad have their sights firmly set on trying to extend on their top-flight status this season. Heading into January’s brief winter break with an eye-catching 3-0 romp against fellow relegation scrappers Watford on the road, Norwich are unbeaten in their last four matchups across all formats, recording three wins. While the former Aston Villa boss might have been quick to praise his side’s recent boost, the East Anglia outfit will know that they face a huge task on Saturday evening. It should be noted, Smith’s men have suffered back-to-back 5-0 drummings against the runaway Premier League giants.
Team News
Both missing out against Crystal Palace in midweek, Norwich are hopeful that both Joshua Sargent and Ozan Kabak can make their returns here.
However, Saturday’s hosts have confirmed that they will once again be without the likes of Tim Krul, Jacob Sorensen, Andrew Omobamidele this weekend.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might not have been at their free-flowing best earlier in the week, it was another routine night’s work for Pep Guardiola’s men. Eventually claiming a deserved 2-0 win against Brentford on home soil, the English giants are in the midst of what has become a remarkable purple patch. Appearing to be cruising their way towards another top-flight crown under the former Bayern Munich boss, the Sky Blues are now unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight Premier League matchups, a run that has seen them drop just a pair of points. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Guardiola should be smelling a golden chance when his side travel to Carrow Road this weekend. Looking to lay down another marker here, City should be calling on Riyad Mahrez to spearhead their charge here. Once again finding the net against Brentford in midweek, the Algerian ace has scored in each of his last seven appearances on the spin.
Team News
Both still dealing with injury issues neither Gabriel Jesus nor Cole Palmer are expected to feature at Carrow Road this weekend.
Impressing at right-back in midweek, England international John Stones could once again be rewarded with a starting spot.
Key Factors to Consider
- Manchester City have picked up back-to-back 5-0 wins in their last two meetings against Norwich.
- Likewise, the runaway Premier League leaders have lost just one of their last eight meetings against Saturday’s hosts.
- However, Norwich have collected seven points from their last three Premier League matchups.
- Riyad Mahrez has scored in each of his last seven straight appearances for the Sky Blues.
- Five of the last seven meetings between Norwich and City at Carrow Road have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Norwich might have collected seven points from their last three Premier League matchups, Saturday’s hosts will know that they face a huge task at Carrow Road. Watching Manchester City cruise their way to a 2-0 win against Brentford at the Etihad in midweek, Pep Guardiola’s men are in the midst of what has become a remarkable purple patch. Appearing to storm their way to another domestic crown this season, the Sky Blues are enjoying a 14-match top-flight unbeaten run. Securing back-to-back 5-0 wins against the relegation scrappers, it is hard to see anything other than a similar away victory for the Premier League giants here.
Verdict: Manchester City win to nil
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
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