According to the bookies these are the two sides most likely to win promotion from the Championship this season and it’s hard to argue with that really right now. Norwich are top of the division and have a side packed with players who have previously won promotion, most of whom were part of the Canaries side that went up two seasons ago under Alex Neil. Newcastle meanwhile have on paper the best squad in the league and boast both genuine quality and real strength in depth.
They’ve had a few setbacks so far though with 3 league defeats already, the most recent of which came in their last home league games against Wolves 10 days ago. They also may feel they missed a golden opportunity to claim 3 points on Saturday when they let a 1-0 lead slip late on to draw 1-1 at Villa Park. Newcastle would have assumed a 1o point advantage on Villa, the other recently relegated side, had they won, but in the end they found themselves hanging on with Villa pressing for a winner in stoppage time having equalised in the 88th minute.
There have been no such problems for Norwich lately. The Canaries have reeled off 5 straight wins in all competitions coming into this to overhaul Huddersfield and claim top spot. They have had a pretty decent run of league fixtures though in truth, with 3 of their last 4 at home to sides at the wrong end of the league. Norwich have been conceding goals though and that is an ominous sign as they head to St James’ Park where they let in 6 last season in the Premier League.
The Canaries have conceded 8 goals in their last 5 league games and aren’t likely to see enough of the ball, or find as many holes in the opposing defence, to simply outscore Newcastle here. The Geordies may have faded badly at Villa Park on Saturday but, since those opening two defeats, they have looked like the class act in this division for the most part and they might have a bit too much quality for Norwich here.
The Magpies have a very strong recent home record against Norwich and backing Newcastle to Win at Evens looks to offer value.
Head To Head
Newcastle have won their last 5 competitive home games against Norwich. They won this fixture 6-2 in the Premier League last season.
Stats
Newcastle have won 7 of their last 9 games in all competitions. Norwich have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 6 league games.
Team News
Newcastle are likely to continue with their rotation policy here. Christian Atsu, Grant Hanley, Cheick Tiote and Aleksandar Mitrovic could come in. Full-back DeAndre Yedlin is a doubt following an injury at Villa Park.
Alex Neil is likely to stick with the bulk of the team that beat Burton. Nélson Oliveira and Ryan Bennett could come in if he decides to make changes.
