Having boosted their survival hopes with a last-gasp triumph over Hull City, Norwich will want to create even bigger cushion between them and the bottom three when they host Newcastle in midweek. The Magpies did well to end a three-match losing run as they beat West Ham away and they will fancy their chances of getting something from Carrow Road as well.

Norwich still in problems

Having impressed to finish the previous two campaigns in mid table, Norwich looked on the road to shake off the tag of relegation strugglers, especially having seemingly seriously reinforced the squad over the summer. However, with Leroy Fer and Nathan Redmond the only summer signings to have made some sort of an impact, the Canaries experienced all sorts of problems in the opening exchanges. It became evident that the lack of confidence was seriously affecting their performances and in all fairness, I am not sure they deserve to sit so high in the overall standings. Norwich ended an eight-match winless run with a last-gasp victory over Hull City, but it remains to be seen if they can record back to back Premier League wins for the first time this season. The Canaries clearly have problems up front, having scored just 5 goals in last 8 fixtures, while they back line does not look strong enough to stop very good Newcastle from scoring. Therefore, I seriously doubt Norwich can get more than one point from this match.

January signing Jonas Gutierrez is ineligible to face his parent club, whereas Muchal Turner and Jonny Howson are out injured.

Newcastle back in business

This season has been a real rollercoaster ride for Newcastle, with their fans having had to endure a number of ups and downs, although it is clear there have been more positives than negatives. While the Magpies have been eliminated from domestic cups, they have been exceeding expectations in the Premier League, with top 8 finish on the cards. The run of three successive defeats seem to have served as a major blow to their European hopes as the team now sit seven points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Nevertheless, the most important thing is that the aforementioned losing run has finally come to an end, with Alan Pardew’s men enjoying an excellent win over West Ham at Boleyn Ground. Considering that was Newcastle’s sixth away victory in the league this season, the Magpies have plenty of confidence ahead of the trip to Norfolk. And with Tyne-Wear derby scheduled for Saturday, a good result against Norwich would be more than welcome at this point in time.

Alan Pardew has no fresh selection worries, but the likes of Fabricio Coloccini and Gael Bigirimana are not yet ready to return.

Verdict

Norwich may have put an end to an eight-match winless run, but their patchy form is certainly a cause for concern now that one of league’s best away sides are coming to town. Having restored the lost confidence with a 3-1 triumph over West Ham, Newcastle look they can make life difficult for another relegation strugglers.

Top pick: Newcastle Draw no bet   1.73 (8/11) @ SkyBet

Alternative pick 1: Newcastle to score two or more   2.38 (11/8) @ Stan James

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   1.95 (19/20) @ BetVictor