Norwich to get much needed first PL win over Leeds
Winless Norwich City are already up against in the Premier League after just nine matches, scoring just twice and accruing the same number of points. They were listless in the 7-0 hammering by Chelsea; nobody would've expected a result at Stamford Bridge, but the performance levels just weren't there. Leeds United are faring little better at present. Badly missing focal point Patrick Bamford, they have looked defensively suspect all season long. Something has to give for one of these sides at Carrow Road on Sunday afternoon. Read our preview here:
Billy idle
Shorn of Chelsea loanee Billy Gimour in the mauling last week, his return to Daniel Farke's XI can't come quickly enough. Almost needless to say, more is required in every single department for the Canaries, with many fans left frustrated at the head coach's strategic overhaul of the system that worked so well to propel them back into the top tier in the first place. Teemu Pukki has looked totally ineffective for large stretches of time, and he needs far more support in the final third than he's received thus far. Ben Gibson is suspended after seeing red late on in London, whilst Todd Cantwell is nearing fitness, having not featured since mid-September. Their adversaries look fragile in defence, and going for the jugular is their best bet.
Raph-aelite
Plenty more column inches and incisive videos on the internet are currently being dedicated to the West Yorkshire side's woes than the wholly expected ones in East Anglia, and Marcelo Bielsa must find a way to drill his troops in the style previously seen that was so effective. Rodrigo offers a different kind of spearhead to Bamford, but not one that can defend from the front when possession is lost. Much will rely on the efficacy of the wing-backs in the 3-5-1-1 - Dan James has had a mixed start to life on the other side of the Pennines, and will need time and patience to settle into his new surroundings. Teammate Raphinha has been the only one to really shine in 2021/2022. The Brazilian has hit three goals in eight matches, and looks the best placed to find space in the opposition area at present.
Don't Farke it up
Neither team are easy to back at present, but pundits condemning Norwich to relegation already are wide of the mark. They have the nucleus of a competitive team, one which needs to shake the losing mentality that has gripped their corner of Norfolk. Leeds are probably their best opportunity right now to break that hoodoo - Parimatch have odds of 3.40 for a much-needed win.
