Norwich City and Stoke City Face Off at Carrow Road in Crucial Championship Clash
Norwich City and Stoke City will go head-to-head this Saturday afternoon at Carrow Road in a crucial Championship fixture. The Canaries currently sit just outside the play-off places, having failed to string together a strong run of results in recent weeks. NCFC drew 1-1 away to Hull City last weekend, making it three games without a win and missing the chance to close the gap on 6th placed West Brom.
Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side have shown flashes of brilliance this season but have struggled with defensive frailties, conceding 45 goals so far – more than over half of the teams in the Championship. However, the Canaries are the second-highest scorers in the league with 51 goals. Sought-after striker Josh Sargent will be looking to add to his five goals in his last five games.
Stoke City, on the other hand, remain embroiled in a relegation battle. Only two teams sit between the Potters and the drop zone, having won only three of their last 18 league games. Mark Robins’ appointment last month has brought some stability, with SCFC only losing two of his 10 games in charge. Stoke secured a vital 3-1 win over Swansea City last weekend, dragging the Swans into the relegation battle and leading to the sacking of manager Luke Williams.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game:
Mac Whittaker: “This is a crucial game for both teams. Norwich City desperately need a win to keep their play-off hopes alive, while Stoke City are scrapping for points to avoid being dragged further into the relegation scrap. Carrow Road has been a fortress at times this season, and NCFC will feel confident of getting a result, but Stoke have shown signs of resilience under Robins. The Canaries are running out of time to make it into the play-offs, so it is a must-win at Carrow Road. I expect a closely fought contest, with Norwich edging it thanks to their superior attacking quality.”
Prediction: Norwich City 2-1 Stoke City
James Ray: “Norwich City might still be within touching distance of the play-offs in terms of points, but I don’t see them as real contenders. NCFC have got the talent and potential to get to that level, but they haven’t shown enough consistency or been convincing enough across the season to show they can really earn a spot. However, they will be favourites here, and they could definitely get a win that pushes them a little closer to the top six here. Stoke City have picked up some good results, but one win in the last nine away games doesn’t stand them in good stead for a trip to Carrow Road. It’s a tough place to go and get three points. SCFC might be able to come away with a draw, but I think I lean towards a narrow home triumph.”
Prediction: Norwich City 2-1 Stoke City
