Canaries close in on promotion
Despite two draws in as many games, Norwich have virtually one foot in the Premier League. A Good Friday win against Sheffield Wednesday, coupled with results going their way, could see The Canaries seal a return to the big-time.
Almost there…
You can almost forgive Norwich for only having two points to show for their recent efforts against Reading and Wigan. An eight-match winning streak prior to facing two of the leagues strugglers was going to come to end at some point.
What you also have to take into account is how close Norwich are to promotion and how this can impact on nerves and subsequently, performance. Even so, the Canaries have still managed to keep their points tally ticking over, clawing their way back into games late on to keep their nose of rivals Leeds and Sheffield United.
Such has been the spirit and resolve of Daniel Farke’s young team, Norwich have won 11 of their last 16, losing just once
It’s a sequence of results which leaves the leaders on the verge of regaining Premier League status for the first time since 2016; should Sheffield United lose to Nottingham Forest early on Good Friday, Norwich will wrap up promotion with a win.
Almost on the beach…
Premature maybe but it’s probable Steve Bruce has privately conceded defeat in his side’s bid to reach the play-offs. The weekend defeat to Leeds leaves Wednesday six points adrift of sixth, having played a game more than some teams above and sporting a negative goal difference.
There wasn’t even the slightest talk of making the play-offs when Bruce first took the reins in February so to have his new side even in contention of the top 6 is an achievement in itself. Now though, you sense it’s all about building for next season.
Top of his to-do list is to get his side scoring away from Hillsborough. Six goals in seven games on the road is less than half the amount The Owls have scored at home under Bruce. Wednesday have only managed to claim wins at Ipswich and Bolton as a result with one too many draws contributing to their shortcomings.
Possible promotion party at Carrow Road
Of course, this is dependent on other results, namely a dour Nottingham Forest side, on a three game losing run, going to Bramall Lane and winning.
Stranger things have happened but irrespective of what occurs prior to the late kick-off at Carrow Road, Norwich confirming their place in next year’s Premier League is a matter of when, not if.
The Canaries have proven themselves, time and again, to be a cut above the rest in this division, scoring bundles of goals and playing an exciting brand of football along the way. Two more wins not only confirms the inevitable but the league title too.
Norwich vs Sheffield Wednesday betting tip
I fully expect Norwich to show just why they’re Premier League bound with a confident showing. The limited nature of Sheffield Wednesday's attack should see them do it in comfortable fashion too and that’s why I’m tipping Norwich to win with a -1.5 Asian Handicap.
