Newcastle United vs Norwich City
Date: 01/02/2020
K/O: 15:00
Venue: St James’ Park
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Norwich City travel north to St James’ Park as Daniel Farke’s side attempt to get themselves back in the race for Premier League survival.
Currently, the Canaries are cut adrift at the foot of the Premier League table, but a win over Newcastle could see them move to within three points of safety. However, a draw or loss could see Norwich drift further into obscurity, possibly three wins from ensuring their top-flight status.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have a comfortable seven-point cushion to the relegation zone, which could be cut with defeat to the leagues bottom club; but sitting on 30 points with 14 games to go Steve Bruce will not be overly concerned. Although a win for the Magpies would highlight the turnaround since these two clubs met 22 match weeks ago when the Canaries came out 3-1 winners.
Bruce still has an abundance of squad members on the treatment table, with defenders Emil Krafth, Javier Manquillo, Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett all set to miss the fixture. Jonjo Shelvey remains out with a thigh problem and is set return next month, while midfield partner Ki Sung-Yeung has a knock. Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll, Yoshinori Muto will all miss out in forward areas.
Norwich have problems of their own but stars Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia could both be set to make their return from hamstring and thigh injuries respectively. However, Timm Klose remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Ben Godfrey will miss the encounter with Newcastle due to serving a suspension. Though, Ibrahim Amadou is expected to return and could be available for selection after a slight knee issue.
Predicted Starting XIs
Newcastle United (5-4-1): Dubravka; Yedlin, Fernandez, Lascelles, Clark, Ritchie; Almiron, Hayden, Longstaff, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton
Norwich City (4-2-3-1): Krul; Aarons, Zimmermann, Hanley, Byram; Tetty, McLean; Rupp, Duda, Cantwell; Pukki
Score Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Norwich City
With Cantwell and Buendia returning, Farke’s side will be back to their creative best and could threaten to pull off an upset. Although, the Magpies resolute defence and counter-attacking prowess should be able to overcome Norwich’s defensive frailties.
