Eng. Championship
2008-05-04 - Sheffield Wednesday vs Norwich City
A Sports Betting Pick by Footie Addict
England Championship
Sunday, 4th May 2008 - KO 14:00
The last day of the season in this division sees Sheffield Wednesday with their fate in their own hands at Hillbrough for the visit of Norwich. Sheffield Wednesday have a home record of 8-5-9, and had their current form been "season long" they would be safely mid-table - they have only lost 1 game in their last 11.
Norwich have a very poor away record of 5-4-13, and have picked up nearly all their victories in the league at home this season. They have also lost 5 and drawn 1 of their last 6 away matches, including a 4-0 mauling vs relegation possibilities Leicester City.
Sheffield Wednesday have managed 4 draws and 1 win from their last 5 games, which is a long run without defeat, but a run that hasn't paid out "home win" very often either. Despite this there has been a marked imporvement in recent weeks, and this time they need the win to ensure their survival.
On the other hand Norwich already has a very poor record away from home, especially in their last 6 games, have nothing to play for. Sheffield Wednesday are dropping the prices of all their tickets to get a full stadium, and have appealed to all fans to come along and "save their club".
Sheffield Wednesday form;
W 3-1 vs Leicester (A)
L 1-2 vs Blackpool (A)
D 1-1 vs Plymouth (H)
D 2-2 vs Sheffield Utd (A)
D 1-1 vs Scunthorpe (A)
D 1-1 vs Coventry (H)
D 1-1 vs Stoke (H)
D 2-2 vs Crystal Palace (H)
W 2-1 vs Colchester (A)
W 2-1 vs QPR (H)
Yes - a lot of draws - but they have been vs some of the better sides in the division, Crystal Palace, Stoke, Sheffield Utd & Plymouth are all good sides in this division.
Certainly sides better than Norwich on the road and this time the motivation will be huge, and their opposition, unlike in previous listed drawn games, have nothing to play for.
Norwich's away record;
L 1-2 vs Ipswich
L 1-2 vs Bristol City
L 0-2 vs Sheffield Utd
L 0-1 vs Coventry
D 1-1 vs Watford
L 0-4 vs Leicester
A poor away record - I don't see Norwich getting too much at Hillsbrough, given the opposite gravity of the game for each team, and the motivation of the home side.
The Verdict;
I'll take Sheffield Wednesday to win, largely based on the fact they need the win, and that they will have huge motivation and support, and that Norwich are in poor form away from home in general, and this time have nothing at all to play for.
