Norwich vs Manchester City

13th April 2012

Norwich climbed to the top half of the standings following the shock victory at White Hart Lane, and now the Canaries can claim another major scalp as they prepare to take on Manchester City. The Citizens were handed a lifeline as United were beaten by Wiganat DW Stadium, but the only way how they can remain in the title race is to win all five remaining games, starting from the one at Carrow Road.

The mere fact that Norwich have ensured survival with five more Premier League games to go speaks volumes about Paul Lambert’s side and their achievements this season. The Canaries started the season well, hinting that they are not in the elite division only to make numbers, but not too many pundits believed they had enough quality to keep the respectable league position. Nevertheless, they did brilliantly to avoid the relegation struggle and after the impressive victory at White Hart Lane, Paul Lambert’s side occupy 10th place in the overall standings. With title chasers Manchester City arriving to Carrow Road, the Canaries have a chance to pour more misery on Roberto Mancini’s side and boost their top 10 hopes, although having already lost four home games this season, they will have to be at their best in order to match their more illustrious opponents. Marc Tierney has been ruled out for the season with a groin injury, while Zak Whitbread remains sidelined. The good news is full-back Kyle Naughton returns to the side.

Manchester City needed a lot of time and effort to climb to the Premier League summit and keep their title hopes alive, but they managed to ruin all their hard work in just three games. Back to back draws with Stoke and Sunderland were followed by the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates, which allowed Manchester United to create an eight-point cushion at the top. The advantage was unexpectedly decreased to five points as Manchester City recorded a 4-0 victory over Sunderland, whereas United were beaten by Wigan, and it appears the Citizens are now back in the title race. Roberto Mancini’s side showed a lot of improvement to beat West Brom in midweek, with David Silva, Samir Nasri and Carlos Tevez showing they are slowly returning to their best, and Sergio Aguero keeping his rich vein of form. City looked much better without the disruptive influence that is Mario Balotelli and with the Italian suspended for this clash as well, we should see the Etihad outfit at their scoring best.

Conclusion

Norwich may have done remarkably well so far, but I seriously doubt their defence can find a way to stop the likes of Tevez, Aguero, Silva and Nasri. City need a victory at Carrow Road in order to remain in the title race and while the hosts are expected to put up a decent fight, I don’t think they can prevent their more illustrious opponents from winning this game.

Verdict: Away win Manchester City (2)

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: William Hill