Norwich vs Stoke predictions: Goals expected at Carrow Road
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- Both teams have scored in eight of Norwich’s last nine Championship home games
- Stoke have conceded in five of their last six league fixtures
- Recommended bet: Both teams to score
Three games without a win has seen Norwich City slip behind in the congested race for the Championship play-off spots, but they will be hopeful of returning to winning ways when struggling Stoke visit Carrow Road.
Stoke beat Swansea last weekend to improve their survival prospects but, despite a recent upturn in form, the Potters remain just six points above the drop zone and have a difficult run of fixtures coming up, with each of their next four opponents currently residing in the top half of the table.
Team news
Kenny McLean should return to the squad after missing Norwich’s last two games through illness, but Emiliano Marcondes is out until at least March and joins Gabriel Forsyth, Liam Gibbs, Onel Hernandez, and Amankwah Forson on the sidelines.
Stoke’s injury list remains extensive, with Enda Stevens the latest addition and joining Million Manhoef, Jordan Thompson, Sam Gallagher, Eric Bocat, Sol Sidibe, Ben Wilmot, and Ryan Mmaee.
The stats
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Norwich have the third-worst defensive record in the top half of the Championship table.
The Canaries are without a clean sheet at home since the start of October.
Stoke have scored in three of their last four league away games.
The reverse meeting in October saw both teams get on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw.
Prediction
Norwich were denied three points for the third consecutive game in the Championship at Hull last weekend and their continued defensive frailty could be instrumental in Saturday’s hosting of Stoke at Carrow Road.
The Canaries have the third-worst defensive record in the top half of the division and head into this tie without a clean sheet on home soil since an early October 4-0 win over Hull.
The 11 home fixtures since then have seen them concede 16 times, and an improving Stoke could use that to their advantage on Saturday.
The Potters made it two wins from their last three games with a victory over Swansea last weekend and have scored five goals across this trio of games.
Mark Robins’ side have now scored in five of their last seven second-tier games and took a point from the Canaries in the reverse fixture back in October. With a bit of wind at their backs and a fragile defence to go at, the Potters could strike again at Carrow Road.
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