Stoke City vs Norwich City Preview

September 28, 2013
By: Deke Hardman

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Stoke City v Sunderland - Britannia Stadium

Sunday afternoon’s early kick-off in the Premier League sees Stoke City host Norwich City, with both sides fresh from booking their place in the fourth round of the League Cup.

The Potters, who lost for the first time since the opening day of the season a week ago at Arsenal, should be able to call on Stephen Ireland, who limped off in Wednesday’s win at Tranmere Rovers, while full-back Erik Peters is likely to be recalled having missed out midweek with a calf strain.

Peter Crouch, who grabbed his first goal of the season with his stoppage time effort at Prenton Park last time out is favourite to open the scoring at 7.5 (13/2) with William Hill, who offer 8.0 (7/1) for last season’s top scorer Jonathan Walters to net first.

Mark Hughes’ men are favourites to take all three points at 2.0 (1/1) with Paddy Power, with the visitors at 4.5 (7/2) chance with Bet 365, who offer 3.5 (5/2) for the draw.

The Canaries slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone following their narrow loss to former manager Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa last weekend – their second straight league defeat.

They then needed extra time to get past Championship side Watford on Tuesday evening, and set up a fourth round tie at Manchester United.

Defender Sebastien Bassong is out with a hamstring injury, though Gary Hooper could be handed a first league start for the club following his brace midweek.

The former Celtic man is 9.5 (17/2) with William Hill to get the first goal of the game, as is fellow striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel.

Chris Hughton’s men have won just two of their last eighteen league games away from home, and have failed to score in four of their last six.

With this in mind, you might be tempted to take advantage of Coral’s offer of 3.2 (11/5) for the home side to win to nil, while a 1-0 Stoke win is priced at 7.0 (6/1) with a variety of firms.

The last two meetings between the sides have ended 1-0 to the hosts, with Charlie Adam grabbing the winner at the Britannia Stadium back in April.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!