Norwich City vs Liverpool
For the second time in three seasons, Liverpool will begin their new Premier League season against newly-promoted Norwich.
The Reds, who defeated Norwich 4-1 at Anfield to kick off the 2019-20 campaign, went on to win the title that year, while Norwich finished rock-bottom and were relegated.
The Canaries will look to return the favour when they meet at Carrow Road this time around. However, the Premier League 2021 betting odds will be stacked against them even at home as they take on Liverpool, who have a habit of scoring a lot of goals against Norwich.
Talking Points
Canaries’ pre-season screwed up by Covid
Norwich City are back in the Premier League after a one-season absence. Daniel Farke, who stayed on as the head coach despite failing to avoid the drop in 2019-20, led the Canaries to the Championship title to gain automatic promotion.
A number of Norwich’s key players, including goalkeeper Tim Krul, defender Max Aarons, midfielder Todd Cantwell, and striker Teemu Pukki, were also part of their Premier League campaign two years ago.
Although, Norwich suffered a big blow with the sale of star winger Emi Buendia, whom Aston Villa brought in to fill the significant void left by new Manchester City man Jack Grealish.
In response, Norwich have bought the Werder Bremen duo of Milot Rashica and US youngster Josh Sargent to help replace Buendia’s production in attack. Rashica and Sargent combined for eight goals and four assists last season for Werder, who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season.
The Canaries have also brought in centre-back Ben Gibson from Burnley and got talented Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour on loan.
However, Norwich’s pre-season preparations were hampered by cancelled friendlies due to Covid. Rashica and starting centre-back Grant Hanley were among the Canaries to test positive, but Rashica is back in training and is in line to start against Liverpool. Meanwhile, Cantwell is also questionable to play due to an ankle injury.
Liverpool’s star centre-backs set to return
After last season’s injury-plagued campaign and unsuccessful title defence, Liverpool will look to bounce back and become championship contenders once again this year.
Star central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who both missed most of last season with knee injuries, have returned to action in pre-season and look set to start the season. Ibrahima Konate, the team’s marquee summer signing, will likely settle for a spot on the bench.
The Reds sorely missed Van Dijk’s calming presence and leadership at the back last season, so his return should help bring back the defensive solidity that helped them win the title.
However, manager Jurgen Klopp will still have injury issues to deal with at the start of the season. Starting left-back Andy Robertson has been ruled out after sustaining ankle ligament damage in a draw with Athletic Bilbao. Either Kostas Tsimikas or James Milner will likely fill in at left-back in his absence.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool midfield will have a slightly different look after Gini Wijnaldum moved on to Paris Saint-Germain. And with Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones both fitness doubts, Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita are expected to play alongside Fabinho in the midfield.
Up front, the star trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino is set to make more Premier League 2021 highlights together. The 29-year-old Salah is showing no signs of slowing down after scoring 22 goals last season – one goal behind Golden Boot winner Harry Kane.
History
Norwich have had a dreadful record against Liverpool in the Premier League era. The Canaries have not beaten the Reds in 14 consecutive matches (12 losses, 2 draws).
Liverpool also have a habit of scoring a lot of goals against Norwich. They have scored three or more goals in seven of their last nine meetings and four or more goals in five of those nine.
Although, the Canaries at least kept Liverpool in check the last time they visited Carrow Road. Sadio Mane scored the winning goal 12 minutes from time to give the Reds a narrow 1-0 win.
Betting Tip
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Norwich City vs Liverpool | Liverpool Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.95 |
| August 15, 00:30 (GMT+8) |
Despite being at home, SBOTOP odds still have Norwich as massive 9.25 underdogs to beat Liverpool, who are 1.32 favourites. A draw is at 4.90.
This is a great opening fixture for Liverpool, who still need some time to get back to their best. But Norwich don’t figure to pose too much of a threat to Virgil van Dijk and the Reds’ defence.
Meanwhile, Salah, Mane, and Firmino should give Liverpool enough firepower to run out comfortable winners in the end.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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