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Ninth placed Newcastle could get into the european mix with a victory over Norwich at St James’ Park and the hosts will be confident coming into this game after defeating Chelsea and Tottenham in the last two rounds. Newcastle played some brilliant football prior to the international break, recording two unlikely victories against the title challengers without conceding a single goal. It will be very interesting to see how the break for the National Team matches has affected the Magpies’ form, or more importantly, if it affected it at all.
The hosts had a bad start to the season, much of it having to do with injuries and with key midfielder Cabaye being unsettled. But the french midfielder will be in buoyant mood today after France came back to defeat Ukraine 3-0 and qualified to the World Cup in Brazil. Newcastle looks to be at the top of their game right now and especially their defense is particularly impressive lately.
Norwich is on an honorable 15th place and are on the back of a 3-1 home win over West Ham, but things are far from being ok for the visitors. Prior to the West Ham win, they had gained a single point in 5 matches, with a goal difference of 2-18! Norwich has gained most of its point at home, as their away performances are extremely poor, with 4 defeats in 5 games and a goal difference of 2-14.
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Team news & lineups
Newcastle only has Debuchy and R. Taylor unavailable, but Coloccini, S. Taylor and Dummet will undergo fitness tests prior to the match. Norwich will have to do without van Wolfsinkel, Bunn, Tettey and Bennet. There are also questionmarks over Bassong and Pilkington.
Newcastle: Krul – Santon, Coloccini, Williamson, Yanga-Mbiwa – Sissoko, Cabaye, Tioté, Gouffran – Shola Ameobi, Rémy.
Norwich: Ruddy – Martin, Turner, R Bennett, Olsson – Snodgrass, Fer, Johnson, Howson, Pilkington – Hooper.
Newcastle is in amazing form right now, and I don`t think the international break will do any damage to their playing level, as there was a sense of improvement over Newcastle`s game along the whole season. The team is solid, and they are only getting better. I expect the hosts to take control of the match thanks to their top-class midfield and force Norwich into defensive positions. You have to feel that Newcastle will score at least once, while their excellent defense and Norwich’s struggles away from home might be enough for the Magpies to keep a clean sheet. I can’t see this Norwich side posing any problems to Newcastle today, not with their away record and especially not with their poor form. The win over West Ham last round is not an indication of rehabilitation, as the opponents were very poor, and it was a home game. Norwich`s squad problems will also make it harder for them to get a result at St. James’ Park.
My pick is a dominant display for the home side, and a solid win to come along with it. Newcastle United – Norwich City 2-0.
Pick: Newcastle
Odds: 1.80 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.40
Event date: 23 November
Editor Facts
- Rostick won 7 out of his 21 picks in November
