Canaries set to be prey for Seagulls
Mission impossible continues for Norwich City in the early kickoff this Saturday at Carrow Road. The Canaries are seven points from safety at the foot of the table with the worst goal difference in the division, they host a Brighton and Hove Albion side fresh off a 3-0 drubbing at home to Manchester United, a victory could pull the Seagulls up to nine points clear of the drop, a very commanding position given the doubts hanging over them during the pause of the season. Brighton are narrow favourites to take the win and given their performance in terms of expected goals this season, it is a very nice price.
Background
Amidst a solid run in the FA Cup Norwich have lost five of their last six, with the exception being a 1-0 win over a faltering Leicester City. Two second half goals earnt Brighton the three points at the AMEX Stadium in November, Leandro Trossard and Shane Duffy strikes got them over the line, Graham Potter will sense the opportunity to drown out the relegation conversation by making a statement on the pitch in this 12.30 kickoff.
The Seagulls sit 15th however sneak into the league’s top 10 in the xG table, Potter’s possession-based style has been great to watch at times this term, if for a lot of deficiencies in front of goal. With a lot of weight on the shoulders of Neal Maupay.
Recent form
The Canaries have failed to score in their last four Premier League outings, with a both teams to score no winner in their last eight in a row. Six of the last eight goals they have conceded came in the second period, although the Seagulls’ recent numbers are not encouraging either. They have one won once in their last 12 league games and have failed to find the net in four of their last five.
Key man
Brighton’s backline is the most impressive area of the pitch in this matchup, led by captain Lewis Dunk partnered by Adam Webster and Shane Duffy depending on the opponent, the Englishman is a rock for the seasiders. Surprisingly contributing three goals and three assists in an attacking sense this campaign, he is their leader and will not leave a stone unturned in their survival bid for a fourth consecutive season in the topflight. It has been an eye-catching transition from the defensive mindset of Chris Hughton to the more patient build up play and easier on the eye football from Graham Potter.
It is about time Brighton took some chances, and they will create plenty against this struggling Norwich side. For me they are strong favourites.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
An enormous three points went back to the south coast, Leandro Trossard bagged the only goal of the game for Graham Potter's men.