Prediction: Norwich vs Liverpool

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 1/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The second half of the Premier League’s winter break schedule is upon us this weekend as a string of clubs return to action. One of the most fascinating fixtures is set to go down in Norfolk as Norwich City prepare to host runaway leaders Liverpool at Carrow Road. The expectation is that the Canaries will be relegated this season whereas Jurgen Klopp’s men will win the league title, but this top vs bottom clash could serve as a really defining moment in their respective campaigns.

Norwich

Norwich City’s gung-ho style was always going to make or break their season and with just a few months remaining, it seems as if it’s the latter. If they do go down then they’ll go down having been true to themselves and the way in which they got to the dance in the first place. While they’re still within touching distance of 17th it’s going to take an almighty effort for them to pull themselves off the bottom – but given the Great Escapes we’ve seen in the past, nobody can write them off just yet.

Team News

Timm Klose has been ruled out of this one through injury with Godfrey being set to return after serving a suspension. Elsewhere, Buendia has been tipped to come back into the starting XI.

Liverpool

The Champions League and FA Cup serve as vitally important competitions in the eyes of many Reds fans, but we all know that the Premier League is the big one. They’ve been waiting years for the chance to call themselves the Champions of England again and if they’re able to win their next six games, the coronation will become official. For now, though, it’s all about taking things one step at a time and making sure they don’t lose focus of the end goal.

Team News

Clyne is still the only confirmed injury for this game with Mane, Milner and Shaqiri all being doubts, although Liverpool are hopeful that Mane will be back in time. Elsewhere, Klopp is expected to field his strongest possible starting line-up.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in August, Liverpool beat Norwich 4-1.
• Norwich have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Liverpool have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Norwich have scored eight goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Liverpool have scored 13 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

Norwich are going to cause Liverpool a few issues going forward as they so often do, but they’ll almost certainly leave themselves vulnerable to the insane power that the Reds possess in pretty much every area of the pitch. We’re expecting Liverpool to control the game in Norwich’s half, slowly break them down and pounce from every possible department – whether it be through the middle or courtesy of set pieces. It won’t be a rout, but it’ll be convincing.

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 1/4

Bookmaker: bet365