Prediction: Norwich vs Brighton – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to avoid a potential FA Cup banana skin on Saturday afternoon, Brighton will travel to Carrow Road when they meet Norwich.

Norwich

Starting with the hosts, while Norwich might have been in the midst of a real struggle when opening December, the Canaries have come roaring back. Mounting what was a sensational last-gasp comeback against Coventry last time out as they eventually snatched a 2-1 victory at Carrow Road, Johannes Thorup’s men have collected 10 points from their previous four Championship appearances. With their sights firmly set on booking another play-off ticket in 2025, Norwich will also be excited by their recent success on home soil. Aside from a 2-1 defeat at the hands of promotion contenders Burnley, that is the only loss that Saturday’s hosts have suffered from any of their previous six outings. Appearing to have turned a real corner over the past month, Thorup’s side could be smelling the chance to spring an FA Cup upset in Norfolk.

Norwich Team News

Still dealing with a long-term groin injury and not making a single appearance since the end of October, USA international Joshua Sargent remains on the sidelines. Likewise, all suffering with respective fitness issues, the likes of Gabriel Forsyth, Liams Gibbs and Jacob Lungi Sorensen will miss out on Saturday afternoon.

Coming off the bench and bagging a remarkable last-gasp brace against Coventry, Amankwah Forson will be hoping to make a first start since November 30th. Former Brighton star Shane Duffy will start at the heart of Norwich’s defence at Carrow Road.

Brighton

As for the visitors, while Brighton might have come flying out of the traps following Fabian Hurtzler’s arrival last summer, the Seagulls are desperately seeking some kind of stability. Despite snatching a 1-1 stalemate against Arsenal last weekend, the former St. Pauli boss has not seen his squad muster a single victory from any of their previous eight consecutive Premier League appearances. Hit with an infamous 3-1 loss at the hands of arch-rivals Crystal Palace last month, Brighton have also won just a pair of their previous 13 outings across all competitions. With their European dreams taking a major dent, Hurtzler should also have a major headache over his side’s extended defensive struggles. Signing off 2024 with a frantic 2-2 stalemate away at Aston Villa, Saturday’s guests have failed to record a single clean sheet since October 19th.

Brighton Team News

Brighton have confirmed that skipper Lewis Dunk will miss out on Saturday afternoon through a calf injury. Likewise, picking up a long-term hamstring issue against Arsenal last weekend, the Seagulls have confirmed that Igor Julio will not feature over the next few months.

Heavily linked with a move away from the Amex this month, Ireland international Evan Ferguson might not be part of Brighton’s travelling squad this weekend. With Hurzeler expected to make a handful of changes on Saturday afternoon, former Leeds talisman Georginio Rutter should be handed a full recall in Norfolk.

Norwich vs Brighton Key Factors to Consider

• Brighton have failed to muster a single win from any of their previous eight consecutive Premier League appearances.
• The Seagulls have failed to muster a single clean sheet since way back on October 19th.
• Norwich have collected 10 points from their previous four Championship appearances.
• All of Norwich’s last six straight showdowns at Carrow Road have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, 12 of Brighton’s previous 13 appearances across all formats have finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Conclusion

Without a win from any of their previous eight Premier League appearances, Brighton could face a potential FA Cup banana skin on Saturday afternoon. Drastically struggling to find any kind of recent stability, the Seagulls will meet a Norwich squad that have turned a real corner. With Brighton failing to muster a single clean sheet since way back on October 19th, Thorup’s side could ask some questions at Carrow Road. With the Premier League outfit seeing 12 of their previous 13 appearances finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet