English Premier
2011-10-22 - Liverpool vs Norwich City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Premier League
Saturday 22 October 2011 - Kickoff 5:30pm
This game is live on TV
Liverpool
With no European commitments to speak of this season, Liverpool have had time to prepare for this afternoon kick off with the hopes they can move into the top 4 and also to close the gap to the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City who will meet on Sunday lunchtime.
The Reds have had a solid start to the new season, one that has had a few inconsistencies that are to be expected with the number of new signings that have joined the club since Kenny Dalglish took over in January. Liverpool have a 2-2-0 record at Anfield this season, scoring 7 goals and conceding 4.
Liverpool are unbeaten in 4 games since being hammered 4-0 at Tottenham Hotspur, and had won 3 in a row before drawing with Manchester United here last weekend. They have yet to keep a clean sheet in 4 League games at Anfield this season.
Kenny Dalglish will be without Lucas who is suspended, but Glen Johnson should be available again for the first time since the 1-0 loss at Stoke. Steven Gerrard should start again, as should Luis Suarez despite the allegations made against him by Patrice Evra.
Norwich City
Paul Lambert is really doing his reputation no harm at all as his newly promoted Norwich City side look to continue their fine start to the new season. The Canaries were expected to struggle heavily after securing back to back promotions from League One through the Championship, but they have surprised many already this season.
Norwich are 9th in the Premier League having picked up 11 points so far from their 8 League games. They have a 1-1-2 record away from home, scoring 4 goals and conceding 7, but that isn't a bad record considering they have already played at Chelsea and Manchester United this season.
The team have won 3 of their last 4 League games, the only loss coming at Manchester United which also happens to be the only away game they have failed to score in. That was not for a lack of trying and I think most of their fans would have been disappointed they didn't WIN that game, let alone score. Norwich have scored 7 goals in their last 4 League games.
Zak Whitbread has to pass a late fitness test if he wants to return to the squad, although it is unlikely that Lambert will make too many changes from the side that started very brightly in a 3-1 home win over Swansea last week.
Head to Head
Liverpool last met Norwich in a League game during the 2004/05 season, beating the Canaries at home and away.
Liverpool beat Norwich 3-0 at Anfield that season.
Prediction
I can understand why Liverpool have been set as the short priced favourites here, but I really respect the way Norwich have gone about their business in games this season, particularly at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge where they have not been afraid to play their football.
Liverpool are capable of scoring goals as we have seen at Anfield, but it is also telling that they have yet to keep a clean sheet against the likes of Sunderland, Bolton and Wolves, all sides that Norwich will feel they can match.
Norwich themselves have scored in 3 of their 4 away games in the League this season, the only exception being at United where they had at least 3 clear-cut chances and very little fortune and rightly deserved at least a goal for their efforts.
I imagine Paul Lambert will set his side out in a very similar manner to that game at Old Trafford and I think there is a definite chance for 'Both Teams to Score' which has been dismissed at a wide 2.20 at Ladbrokes.
With both sides attacking and defensive records on the season so far, that looks like a decent way to get on for the live TV game.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Liverpool 2-1 Norwich City
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Both Teams to Score @ 2.20 (Ladbrokes)
