Big Game Focus: Norwich v Watford

 

The Premier League’s bottom two sides go-head-to-headin at Carrow Road as Norwich City host Watford in what could be a season-defining match. Watford are the only team in the top flight yet to win a match while the Canaries have suffered eight defeats in their 11 games. Who will win this crucial game? Here’s the Big Game Focus with some betting tips. Bet on the game here. 

After taking just one point from their last six top-flight matches, Norwich City come into tonight’s clash in dreadful form. After that famous win over champions Manchester City in mid-September, Daniel Farke’s side have suffered five defeats and picked up just one point. The Canaries also have the second-worst defence in the Premier League having shipped in 26 goals in 11 matches. With difficult games coming up after the international break, they can ill-afford another loss which could be detrimental to their season.

The Hornets have failed to win in each of their opening 11 games and sit rock bottom of the table with just five points. They also have the worst attack in the league having scored just six goals. If they win tonight, they’ll move out of the bottom and it might be just what they need. Will they get their first win?

Betting preview

Norwich’s home advantage gives them a chance tonight. Their two wins this season have come at Carrow Road, where they beat Manchester City and Newcastle. Watford have not won a single Premier League game this season. Therefore, you can back a Home Double Chance at odds of 1.50. 

The Canaries’ last five home games in the league have seen Over 2.5 Goals. They have conceded eight in their last two home matches. The Hornets have conceded 13 goals in their last five away matches. Their last game also saw Chelsea win 2-1 at Vicarage Road. Watford and Norwich have conceded 23 and 26 goals respectively in the league this season. You can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.65.

Both teams have scored in all of Norwich’s Premier League home games this season. Watford have scored the least amount of goals in the league but since they’re facing a poor Canaries defence, their attackers should fancy their chances. Watford are ninth in the division for average attempts on goal per game at 12.6 which suggests Quique Sanchez Flores’ men aren’t quite as toothless as they appear. For that reason, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.50.

Team news

Centre-backs Timm Klose, Grant Hanley and Christoph Zimmermann are all out for tonight’s game, leaving Farke short of defensive options. Alex Tettey may once again have to fill in at centre-back.

Troy Deeney has returned from the minor knee operation he had in August and Flores may be tempted to throw him straight back into the action. Etienne Capoue and Ismaila Sarr have both returned to training but are unlikely to be ready in time for the trip to Carrow Road.

Possible line-ups

Norwich: Krul, Aarons, Tettey, Godfrey, Lewis, Cantwell, McLean, Buendia, Stiepermann, Hernandez, Pukki.

Watford: Foster, Janmaat, Kabasele, Dawson, Masina, Deulofeu, Doucoure, Chalobah, Pereyra, Gray, Deeney.