Liverpool v Norwich - Match preview and odds

Liverpool v Norwich - Match preview and odds

Sunday 20 September 2015, 16:00pm - Anfield

Premier League

On Sunday afternoon, Liverpool will host Norwich at Anfield in what will be the first of four consecutive home games for Brendan Rodger’s team.

An even contest

It wasn’t so long ago that Liverpool fans used to relish the thought of playing Norwich. During the days of Luis Suarez, the Anfield side beat the Canaries five times in a row scoring 24 goals in the process. Incredibly, the Uruguayan netted 17 of those goals.

This weekend, the clubs will meet on a much more level playing field. They sit side-by-side in the Premier League table with just goal difference separating the two. While Alex Neil’s stock is rising fast thanks to Norwich’s impressive performances since winning promotion, the Liverpool boss remains under extreme pressure following a disappointing spell that stretches back to the start of last season.

Europa performance gives Rodgers food for thought

The Reds are coming into this game on the back of a midweek draw away to Bordeaux in the Europa League and a confidence-sapping defeat to league rivals Manchester United. Rodgers fielded a new-look side for the game in France and would have been impressed by some bright performances - most notably from Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno and Danny Ings.

Team news

Brendan Rodgers will almost certainly make changes to the side that surrendered so meekly at Old Trafford last weekend. Philippe Coutinho is back from suspension and will walk back into the starting XI while Dejan Lovren could make way for Mamadou Sakho. Meanwhile, there are still doubts surrounding the fitness of Captain Jordan Henderson and midfielder Joe Allen.

Other changes could see Alberto Moreno recalled to replace Joe Gomez while Rodgers may also hand a start to Danny Ings following his impressive performance as a substitute in Bordeaux. Striker Daniel Sturridge may also make a welcome return to the Liverpool bench.

Norwich are still without Gary Hooper and Youssouf Mulumbu, who are both injured while Lewis Grabban has only just returned to full training. As a result, Alex Neil can be expected to stick with the side that beat Bournemouth so convincingly in the last league game at Carrow Road.

Recent form

Liverpool: LLDWW

Norwich: WLDWL

Betting odds and tips

Liverpool may be unbeaten in 10 games against their opponents but they can no longer treat these games as shooting practice seasons - Norwich now pose a genuine threat. The Norfolk team have lost just two of their last 21 away games in all competitions (including friendly matches).

Thanks to past results and home advantage Liverpool will be odds on favourites and can be backed at 4/6 with bet365. While they should win this game, it is unlikely to be a comfortable afternoon for the Merseysiders - especially if the visitors strike first. Anything other than a win would pile even more pressure on Brendan Rodgers.

In the anytime goal scorer market, Christian Benteke is available at 11/10 with bet365, or 6/4 when combined with a home win bet.

Go To bet365

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19/09/2015     © Frixo 2024