Newcastle United has had a rather inconsistent season thus far. The best string of form they have so far has been a draw with two wins. At the moment they are on a run of form with back to back wins over Chelsea at home and away to Tottenham. Newcastle has yet to score more than two goals per game, but they have scored two goals in each of their last three home EPL games.
Norwich has been even more inconsistent than Newcastle. After losing back to back games to Chelsea and Arsenal by a combined score of 7-2 they managed a 0-0 draw to Cardiff. This was then followed by a 7-0 away loss to Manchester City. They were finally able to turn it around against West Ham in week 11 with a 3-1 home win. Norwich has struggled at both ends of the pitch in allowing 21 goals but only scoring nine.
What to expect from the Match
Newcastle’s victory over Tottenham lifted the Magpies up to 9th in the Premier League and manager Alan Pardew will be keen for his side to build on their recent run of good form having won 3 of their last 5 league fixtures. Norwich’s win against West Ham lifted the Canaries out of the relegation zone, but they know a defeat at St. James’ Park could see them fall back into the bottom 3 if results don’t go their way.
Manager Alan Pardew is likely to stick with the same 4-4-2 that secured a memorable 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur prior to the international break. This will see Hatem Ben Arfa and Papiss Demba Cisse both start from the bench, with Shola Ameobi expected to partner Loïc Remy up front and Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran providing the width on the flanks. Ryan Taylor is Newcastle’s only long-term absentee, while Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett are both doubts.
Norwich manager Chris Hughton is likely to be forced into a solitary change, with Anthony Pilkington sidelined upon his return to St. James’ Park. Nathan Redmond will come in if the winger doesn’t recover from a hip problem in time, but that could be Hughton’s only change from the team that defeated West Ham 3-1 last time out. Elliott Bennett and Alexander Tettey are both ruled out through injury, while Ricky van Wolfswinkel is doubtful for the trip to Newcastle.
Predicted Starting line ups
Predictions
The hosts have kept a clean sheet in each of their last 3 Premier League meetings with Norwich, winning 2, and the recent good run of form should see them secure all 3 points.
Newcastle United 2-0 Norwich City