Premier League preview and odds: Newcastle vs. Norwich

Published on: 16/10/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Newcastle vs. Norwich

October 18, 2015 16:00pm St James` Park

Premier League

Rock-bottom Newcastle United are still looking for their first win and will be hoping that newly-promoted Norwich will be their first victims when they visit St James` Park on Sunday.

Toon desperate for first win

Northeast neighbours Newcastle and Sunderland are the only winless teams left in the Premier League. A victory on Sunday would finally give Magpies` boss Steve McClaren something to smile about after what has been a miserable return to Premier League management for the former England Coach.

In their last game, the Toon were hammered 6-1 away to league leaders Manchester City in a game that highlighted the massive gulf in class between the two teams. Sergio Agüero produced a five-goal haul during that game, just one less than the entire Newcastle team has managed all season.

Canaries making steady progress

In their last game, Norwich fell victim to Premier League surprise package Leicester City on home soil. That was their first defeat in three games after a pair of draws away to West Ham and Liverpool and a home win against Bournemouth.

The Canaries have lost just once on the road this season when they fell 3-0 to Southampton. The last time they travelled to the northeast back in August they defeated struggling Sunderland by three goals to one.

Team news

Newcastle have not been helped by recent injury problems and their woes were increased during the international break when goalkeeper Tim Krul picked up a season-ending knee injury. As a result, Rob Elliot will be given his chance between the sticks. On a more positive note, Jack Colback, Massadio Haidara and Paul Dummett could all return this week.

For Norwich, Gary Hooper and Lewis Grabban are both in line for a return after suffering from ankle problems.

Recent form (League)

Newcastle: LDLLL

Norwich: LDDWL

Betting odds and tips

Newcastles desperation for a win may get the better of them in this game. Alex Neil`s side travel well and will be remain calm and composed as the home side try to break them down.

A win for Norwich could lift them into the top half of the table while piling even more pressure onto the shoulders on Toon boss McClaren. The away win can be backed at 15/8 with Bet365.

Published on: 16/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/10/2015 17:36:36) but are subject to change.