Norwich – Everton

Norwich City and Everton square off in an early Premier League match this Saturday, with the home side particularly desperate for points.

Following a good start, Norwich slipped to the 16th place in the standings after some rather disappointing results recently, as they lost 6 out of the last 8 Premier League matches. However, Norwich did not play as bad as those results suggest, particularly lately. Looking at the last 5 matches, they lost three times, but all defeats were away, including at Manchester City (1-2) and Chelsea (0-1). At home, Norwich defeated Swansea and finished 1-1 with Arsenal in a game they should have won. The hosts are on an uptrend and look likely to get a win sooner rather than later.

Everton is not looking bad this season, but the visitors have been often unable to finish off games, being involved in a lot of draws – including 3 in the last 4 matches and 2 in a row. There still seems to be something missing from this Roberto Martinez side and it’s unlikely that they will be able to mount a European challenge, especially as they are also struggling with injuries this season. Everton is on the back of a 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace.

Bet on Norwich – Everton in the Premier League with the highest odds at 18Bet.com

Team news & lineups:

Jarvis is the only player that will miss from Norwich’s lineup today, though Hoolahan is also a slight doubt. Everton won’t be able to count on Jagielka, Hibbert, Browning, Oviedo, Pienaar and probably McCarthy. Also, Baines will likely be left on the bench, despite being fit again.

Norwich: Rudd – Wisdom, Bennett, Bassong, Olsson – Howson, Tettey, Dorrans, Brady – Hoolahan – Grabban

Everton: Howard – Coleman, Stones, Mori, Galloway – Barry, Cleverley – Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone – Lukaku

Norwich’s results are misleading, they are playing good football right now, they are strong at home and Everton doesn’t exactly scare anybody – particularly on the road. These two teams met in the Cup less than 6 weeks ago at Goodison Park and it was a 1-1 draw in regular time, with Everton winning via penalties. A valid argument can be made that the visitors don’t deserve to be favorites today, especially looking at the team news.

Looking at Everton’s love for draws (7 in 15 rounds) and considering that Norwich is desperate not to lose, a draw seems really probable here – particularly as the match is also balanced on paper. However, I would not be shocked if Norwich edges a narrow home win, so I will bet the draw, but with insurance in case of a Norwich win.

My tip is Draw – Norwich no bet, meaning we win in case of a stalemate and get a void bet if Norwich claims the three points. Prediction: Norwich City – Everton 1-1.

Pick: Norwich no bet – Draw
Odds: 2.25 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 8.75
Event date: 12 December