Norwich vs Newcastle preview
Watch match highlights from 5.15pm on skysports.com and Sky Sports app
Friday 16 August 2019 17:26, UK
Team news, stats and prediction ahead of Norwich vs Newcastle in the Premier League.
Team news
Norwich boss Daniel Farke will be without a number of key players for his side's clash with Newcastle, including continued absences of defenders Timm Klose and Christoph Zimmermann.
Farke has only two fit centre-backs to choose from, and in a further unexpected blow, winger Onel Hernandez could require surgery after suffering suspected meniscus tear and possible ACL damage in a fall at home.
Adam Idah and Kenny McLean are also doubtful for the clash against the Magpies, while Alex Tettey is expected to be available.
Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin is a doubt for the trip to Carrow Road. The Frenchman, who made his debut as a substitute in the 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal, has a hamstring injury and may miss out. Fellow midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is fit after limping off against the Gunners with an ankle problem, while deadline-day signing Emil Krafth will hope for a debut.
Defenders DeAndre Yedlin (groin) and Florian Lejeune (knee), midfielder Christian Atsu (knee) and striker Dwight Gayle (hamstring) remain on the casualty list, while Andy Carroll continues to work his way back towards match fitness.
How to watch
Follow the action with our dedicated live blog. Highlights of the game will be published at 5.15pm on the Sky Sports website and app plus the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.
Opta stats
- Norwich are unbeaten in their last six home Premier League games against Newcastle United (W4 D2 L0) since losing their first match against them in the competition at Carrow Road in January 1994 under Mike Walker.
- Newcastle have won their first away league match of the season in just two of the last 21 seasons (W2 D8 L11), winning in 2007-08 against Bolton Wanderers and 2011-12 against Sunderland.
- Newcastle have won just two of their last 28 Premier League away games in August (D10 L16). They're winless in their last seven such games, failing to score a single goal in that run since beating Sunderland 1-0 in 2011, when Steve Bruce was in the opposite dugout.
- Newcastle manager Steve Bruce's three away Premier League matches against Norwich have all ended in defeat with different clubs - May 2005 with Birmingham, September 2011 with Sunderland and January 2014 with Hull City.
- Norwich striker Teemu Pukki has scored with his first shot on target in each of his last eight league seasons, with Schalke 04, Celtic, Brondby IF & Norwich City. The Finnish forward has scored with three of his last four shots on target in league football.
- Only three previous Newcastle managers have lost both of their first two Premier League games in charge of the club - Kevin Keegan, Ruud Gullit and Chris Hughton.
Charlie's prediction
This is an absolute belter. Norwich knew Liverpool was a free-swing. It could have been more for Liverpool. Teemu Pukki getting a goal was good for him. His movement is very good.
Newcastle were giving themselves high-fives for clearing balls last week and I didn't understand that. I cannot congratulate someone for being vulnerable defensively. Steve Bruce is not as not organised and thorough as Rafael Benitez. He doesn't play that game. He will be saying: 'have we shown much going forward?'
You always thought Arsenal were going to win the game. Bruce is quite good at manipulating teams especially away from home. Miguel Almiron looks quick and will be the star here.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (Price Boost 14/1 with Sky Bet)
Fantasy Football tip
Teemu Pukki (£7.8m) and Miguel Almiron (£8m) are both good options to pursue here. Pukki scored at Anfield and had several other chances. Almiron looked lively against Arsenal but must threaten more if Steve Bruce's side are to leave with anything. Play here.
