Newcastle United have begun the new season on a terrible note. The Magpies currently sit at the bottom of the table with a meagre 3 draws in 8 games. They welcome another struggling side Norwich on Sunday in what seems like a match of equals.
Team News
Newcastle United
The Tyne side club’s prospects of climbing out of e drop zone are being hampered by their growing injury list. The injury to Tim Krul means their first choice keeper has been ruled out of what could possibly be a nightmarish season.
The medical staff at St. James Park are working overtime to ensure the likes of Janmaat, Colback and Haidara are fit for contention against Norwich.
Norwich City
Norwich, on the other hand do not have such a mess to sort at their medical table. We could see Gary Hooper play some role in the game while Mulumbu remains out with a long term injury.
Interesting Facts
- This will be the 52nd meeting between these teams in all competitions.
- Newcastle have had a better share of positive results from this fixture as they have     won 22 games compared to Norwich’ 14.
- The last time Norwich won a game at St. James Park was in the 1988-89 season.
Expected Line-ups
Newcastle United
Elliot, Mbemba, Coloccini, Janmaat, Lascellas, Colback, Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Perez, Cisse
Norwich City
Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Whittaker, Brady, Dorrans, Tettey, Howson, Redmond, Hoolahan, Jerome
Key Players
Ayoze Perez
Rumours that the 22 year old Spanish forward is attracting interest from Manchester United are gaining rapid pace. The youngster would be critical to Newcastle’s fortunes in the game, be it from the start or from the bench.
The striker scored a beautiful goal against defending champions Chelsea controlling the ball with a beautiful touch before finding the back of the net with a delightful shot. He has shown an ability to beat his man with pace and balance and would be required to get past the Canaries’ defence at every opportunity presented to help them eke out a positive result in this game. At 22, it’s time Ayoze emerged out of the developing mould into a more refined product and what better way to show footballing maturity than help a struggling team emerge from the ashes.
Nathan Redmond
The 21 year old Englishman has been the creative lynch pin of this Norwich side. The Winger has averaged close to 2 chances per game apart from scoring 3 goals so far this season. His defensive contributions in the middle of the park indicate his growth as an all-rounder as he has been regular getting into tackles and disrupting the rhythm of the opposition. He will be up against a susceptible Defence and should have opportunities to split them up in the game.
Betting Tips
Newcastle to win: 6/4 with Ladbrokes
Norwich to win: 19/10 with BetVictor
A draw is at 12/5 with William Hill
Prediction
Newcastle’s horrific form has not been helped by injuries and we expect the trend to continue. We believe the game will end in a 1-2 victory for the Canaries.
