Norwich v Manchester United: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 17^th November 15:00: Norwich  V Manchester United– Verdict: Manchester United 2/5

Arsenal and Tottenham both went to Carrow Road in the first part of last month to come home empty handed and since then Norwich haven’t lost a match. A team previously expected to battle relegation, Norwich have made a strong case for their remaining in the Premiership long-term and are becoming a side, simlarly to West Brom, who are fast gaining an impressive reputation amongst their peers.

          Although an upset isn’t impossible –  remember Norwich hadn’t beaten Arsenal in over ten years when they beat them in October – it seems unlikely and you can expect an away win.  Norwich won't not be judged on this performance, providing the final score isn't cricket like; the outcome of only a few teams' seasons relies on performances against Sir Alex Ferguson.

Norwich v Stoke: Preview and Predictions

Norwich v Stoke 3rd November 15:00: Verdict Draw 12/5

Norwich have been quite inconsistent of late – which is likely to be the story of their season, regardless of whether or not they manage to avoid relegation.  A sturdy performance against Aston Villa will have helped them to build on the successes of their long-awaited victory over Arsenal – but games like this one, against Stoke, are really the ones Norwich should be aiming to win if they want to stay up.  Norwich will feel they've turned a corner after a slow start to the season and a mid-week win over Spurs will have done their confidence a world of good - but Stoke have cause to celebrate as Tony Pulis has this week been commanding the Potter's wheel of the ship for ten years.

          Stoke have travelled well this season and have managed to maintain dignity in their losses against strong sides like Chelsea and they’ll expect to be able to pick up points against the Canaries to mark the start Tony Pulis' tenth year as manager.   

          We think that over the course of ninety minutes the two sides in this fixture may cancel each other out so we’re reluctantly edging towards a draw - but putting money on this one is like betting on which sausage in a frying pan will be the first to spit.

Aston Villa v Norwich 27th October 12:45

Aston Villa v Norwich:  Verdict – Norwich 7/2

There is a huge danger sign hanging around the neck of our predicted outcome for this fixture.  It’d be safer using a plugged in toaster as a bath toy than it would be to put any amount of money on any outcome (let alone the one we foresee) for this fixture.  Ne touché pas, as the French would say.  Anyway, Paul Lambert has been vilified by the Norwich board since his departure for Aston Villa and he is trying to sue the club for breach of contract, although he’s not keen to make his issues with his former employers public.  When the loving flame dies, mustard gets in your eyes.  This fixture is bound to be quite an emotive afternoon for both Lambert and the Norwich squad who played under him during his time as manager – but with the problems on and, reportedly, off the pitch for Lambert at Villa we think the occasion will favour the Canaries; they’re not expected to take three points but its bound to be a close match - which is why we think 7/2 is quite an attractive prospect when you consider the circumstances.  Aston Villa are suffering in the lower echelons of the table and with Norwich having just beaten Arsenal they are bound to welcome this fixture as an opportunity to persuade others of their place in the Premiership.