Basement clubs to battle to a frustrating draw
Newcastle United must dust themselves down quickly from their 2-0 defeat at Arsenal to fend off the challenge of an improving Norwich City at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table at St. James' Park on Tuesday night. The Canaries have taken seven points from the last three matches, and it could've been a maximum haul had striker Teemu Pukki buried a one-on-one against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. Read our preview here:
Private Fraser
Naturally, the Magpies were without the ball for the majority of their trip to the Emirates, and didn't make the most of any of the few chances they were presented with. Here, there should be parity at the very least, and more is required from anyone not called Callum Wilson or Allan Saint-Maximin. Scottish wide player Ryan Fraser has largely had to be content with cameo appearances from the bench. Eddie Howe is likely to be select him on the right to shut down that avenue of attack for Brandon Williams, and a threat on both flanks would ease the pressure on the aforementioned duo to deliver. Elsewhere, the underperforming Jamaal Lascelles is suspended at centre-back, whilst Matt Ritchie is also out of contention.
Photogenic Max
That Smith was a bit disappointed with only a stalemate against high-flying Wolves represents how far the narrative has shifted around Norwich in just a few weeks, and there is every reason to suggest they can pick up more points from their two fixtures in the next several days. The one fly in the ointment is the injury to Mathias Normann, meaning Lukas Rupp will deputise in the core of midfield. Pukki still needs more support, although there has been a marked shift of emphasis in being more quick to surround him. The visitors are strongest down the right, and full-back Max Aarons is everything required in that role - athletic, full of stamina, and technically gifted. He could exploit Jamal Lewis' poor form if given the time and space to make a difference.
Howe about that?
January still feels like a long time away if you're a Newcastle fan or probably Howe himself. Once more, it's the defence that needs the most urgent attention in the winter transfer window, and even the 'limited' likes of Norwich can penetrate the backline with some ease. The St. James' faithful should make the encounter be played out in a brilliant atmosphere, and odds of 3.60 with Casumo for a draw seem favourable.
