Norwich can take advantage of Newcastle’s defensive injury woes
Published:After a tremendous start to the season, an unfortunate injury crisis for Newcastle looks as though it could de-rail their bid for European football.
Home side Norwich, a big 11/8 to win here, have somewhat settled in the Premier League, though are yet to achieve the levels of consistency that saw them promoted last season.
Their opposition have surprised everybody in losing just twice up to this point in the Premier League, and maintaining a spot in the top six in the price.
Newcastle are 19/10 to record a fourth league away win in their eighth game on the road.
The draw will interest many punters at 23/10 too, as Norwich have two Carrow Road draws to their name, whilst Newcastle have posted three stalemates away from St. James’s Park.
The injury troubles of the visitors could swing this game in the Canaries favour however.
With inspirational captain Fabricio Coloccini doubtful, and Steven Taylor ruled out for the remainder of the season, James Perch will be forced into a central defensive role, in which he has displayed signs of discomfort in the past.
For this reason, and keeping in mind the slight frame of Perch in comparison with Grant Holt and Steve Morison, it looks a shrewd bet to back the Norwich strikers to find the net here.
Morison has been the more regular starter this season, and with four goals in his last five games, he should be backed at 5/1 to score first.
Grant Holt is the same price to strike last and his bustling style will be a great advantage against a makeshift defence.
Demba Ba is Newcastle’s main threat, and the nine-goal forward is also 5/1 to hit the first or last goal in the match.
With neither side particularly adept in the defensive departments, but Norwich having a more settled side to select from, a 3-1 home win seems plausible and is available at big odds of 28/1.
