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Manchester City v Norwich Premiership Prediction
Saturday, 03 December 2011
Barclays Premier League
Manchester City v Norwich, 15:00
Author: Thomas Rooney 30/11/2011
With Manchester United playing at 5.30pm on Saturday, Manchester City have the chance to go eight points clear of their rivals in their 3pm kick-off against newly-promoted Norwich City.
The unpredictable nature of the Premier League this year means that not many games could be classed as a ‘home banker’, but many would argue that this is as close as we are going to get.
This has nothing to do with Norwich’s form either. They have equipped themselves extremely well on their return to the top-flight and more than held their own against Chelsea and Manchester United earlier this season.
Then, in their most recent away trip against one of the big boys, they picked up a fantastic point at Anfield.
Facing this Manchester City side is a different ball game though. They have an almost limitless amount of attacking talent. They aren’t over reliant on any of their forward options either.
For example, Mario Balotelli is suspended for this weekend’s clash, but they still have the likes Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and David Silva too call upon. It isn’t all about their strikers of course.
The attacking threat comes from all over the pitch, including Micah Richards bursting forward from right-back. Quite simply, Norwich may well have faced Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool this season, but for their defence, this is the toughest challenge yet.
Despite the Canaries good start to the season, it must be noted that they haven’t kept a clean sheet as yet. Individual defensive errors have crept into their game too, something they simply can’t afford to do against the likes of Manchester City.
The combination of defensive errors and Manchester City’s attacking talent could, in theory, make Saturday afternoon a long and slightly depressing one for the away side. Roberto Mancini’s men have scored at least three goals in six of their last seven Premier League games after all.
However, Norwich have a tremendous spirit and Paul Lambert – a manager who has a fast growing reputation – will not let his team simply collapse to defeat. The home team’s quality may well lead to a relatively comfortable win, but Norwich will back themselves to have their moments.
They have got goals in them too, there is no doubt about that. Nobody from 10th downwards – Norwich’s current position – has scored more than them and their style of play suits playing away from home.
Having said that, it is still a game Mancini’s men should win relatively comfortable. If they are to win the title, three points in these games are just as important as any other and they will take no chances in getting the job done.
Norwich will do their reputation and confidence no damage in Saturday’s clash, but Manchester City to win by a couple of goals seems like a fair enough prediction.
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Football betting tip: Manchester City on the Asian Handicap -2 @ 2.025 with Bet365 - £200 deposit bonus
Correct score prediction: Manchester City 3:1 Norwich @ 11.5 with Betfair
Watch our Football Video Podcast on the Manchester City v Norwich match by Thomas Rooney and Pete South including their predictions.