Norwich v Stoke City: Both clubs looking to dispense relegation fears

07 March 2014 13:42

Norwich City host Stoke City at Carrow Road tomorrow afternoon with both sides knowing a win would further dispense their relegation fears.

Mark Hughes' side will be hoping to build on their 1-0 win over Arsenal last weekend, whilst also knowing how dismal their away record has been this season - their only win on the road came in August at Upton Park.

The Canaries, on the other hand, will be wanting to bounce back from their 4-1 loss to Aston Villa. The sides sit just two points and two positions apart in the table and this could be reflected by how close tomorrow's game will be.

Team news

Chris Houghton will be hoping to have Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Robert Snodgrass available, whilst Jonny Howson is pushing for a start along with Joseph Yobo and Martin Olsson after missing out on international duty after picking up knocks.

Leroy Fer and Elliott Bennett remain long term doubts.

Stoke should recall Peter Odemwingie to the starting line up after he sat out Saturday's win over Arsenal through a calf injury but Charlie Adam is suspended after the FA chose to impose a three match ban after his stamp on Olivier Giroud.

Stats

Stoke City have lost nine and won none of their last 12 Barclays Premier League away matches.

Chris Hughton’s side have scored just five goals in their last eight Premier League home games and just two in the last five.

Stoke have scored just two headed goals this season, the joint-fewest in the Premier League along with West Ham.

Norwich City have kept four clean sheets in a row in the Barclays Premier League at Carrow Road.

Prediction

The stats say it all. I think this match is going to be just as tight as the previous encounter at The Brit, where Norwich came out with a narrow 1-0 win.

Stoke make it hard for themselves away from home and I think Carrow Road is going to be a hard place for them to go and get anything.

Stoke 0-0 Norwich

 

Source: DSG