English Premier
2013-01-12 - Norwich City vs Newcastle United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 12 January 2013 - Kick Off 3pm
Norwich City
After holding one of the longest unbeaten run in top Leagues around Europe, Norwich City had a really disappointing festive period which has reduced enthusiasm. However, a comprehensive 0-3 win at Peterborough United and a home draw against non-League Luton Town in the FA Cup has given the fans something to look forward to.
The side are 12th in the Premier League and they have picked up 25 points so far which leaves them well on the way to safety this season. There are currently 7 points between Norwich and Wigan Athletic in the final relegation places. Norwich have a 5-2-3 record at Carrow Road this season, scoring and conceding 13 goals in those games.
Norwich have lost 4 in a row in the Premier League including back to back home losses to Chelsea and Manchester City. In fact, Norwich have lost 3 of their last 4 at Carrow Road in all competitions, but the Canaries had previously won 5 in a row at home in all competitions.
John Ruddy and Steve Morison have been ruled out for this game. Steven Whittaker, Andrew Surman and Grant Holt are all doubtful for the home side.
Newcastle United
While Norwich City haven't been in great form recently, Newcastle United are arguably in even worse shape. Injuries are taking their toll on the squad and Alan Pardew has admitted they are currently involved in a relegation battle a season after just missing out on a Champions League place.
Recent results have sent Newcastle down to 15th in the Premier League and their 20 points tally for the season means they are only 2 points clear of Wigan Athletic in the last relegation place. They have really struggled away from home where they are 0-4-6 this season, scoring 14 goals and conceding 25, meaning they are the one of two sides without an away win in the Premier League so far.
The side have lost their last 4 games in all competitions which culminated in a surprising 2-0 loss at Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend. As I mentioned, Newcastle have particularly struggled on their travels and they have now lost 7 in a row away from home in all competitions. Defensively it has been a struggle for them as they have conceded at least 2 goals in 8 straight away games.
It actually could be easier listing who Newcastle have available this week rather than an injury list. Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor and Yohan Cabaye are out, while James Perch and Hatem Ben Arfa are doubtful. Fabriccio Coloccini, Jonas Gutierrez and Papiss Cisse should be available.
Head to Head
Newcastle United beat Norwich City 1-0 at St James' Park earlier this season.
Last season, Norwich handed out a 4-2 beating to Newcastle at Carrow Road. That means Norwich have won 3 in a row at home against Newcastle.
Prediction
Both teams are out of form in recent weeks and there is a chance that we could see both playing 'not to lose' rather than taking the three points.
However, Norwich City have had the 'better losses' and I think they showed enough in their loss to Manchester City to think they will have enough to expose Newcastle United's defensive vulnerabilities in this one.
They also at least won their FA Cup game and things also don't seem right at St James' Park to me at the moment. The side have looked unorganised at times and I just think they need to find their feet. However, Norwich have looked good at home for the most part this season and I'll back them at odds against to win this one.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Norwich City 2-1 Newcastle United
