Premier League champions Manchester City will look to bounce back against newly-promoted Norwich on Saturday afternoon. The Citizens fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Tottenham in their opening Premier League fixture.
For Norwich, they face a baptism of fire on their return to the top-flight. The Canaries lost 3-0 at home to Liverpool in their opening match. They now face the reigning champions in another big test. They will hope to improve this season following relegation in 2019/20 and match their first top-half finish since the opening Premier League campaign in 1992/93.
Form
Manchester City have lost their last two matches 1-0, the first time in 84 fixtures where they have lost two consecutive fixtures and failed to score. Pep Guardiola’s side fell to a Community Shield loss to Leicester before the defeat in North London on Sunday.
However, City will be relieved to return to the Etihad Stadium. The Citizens had the best home record in the Premier League last season, winning 13 of 19 home fixtures.
Norwich were outplayed by a ruthless Liverpool at Carrow Road on Saturday. The Canaries created chances, with 14 shots on goal and 51%. But they were denied a late consolation following a triple save from Alisson in the dying seconds of the match.
Daniel Farke’s side will take confidence from their away record last season. Norwich won eight of their final 10 fixtures on the road in the 2020/21 season.
Key Players
City will be without playmaker Phil Foden, and Ilkay Gundogan is doubtful with a shoulder injury.
The return of Kevin De Bruyne against Spurs on Sunday was a boost for City. Guardiola’s side struggled to use their 65% possession to good effect in North London, only testing Huge Lloris with four of their 18 shots.
Jack Grealish looked threatening last weekend, but few players stood out in a poor performance. Guardiola will hope De Bruyne provides that much needed creative spark to help his side this weekend.
Norwich defender Sam Byram and winger Przemyslaw Placheta are unavailable this weekend due to injury.
Daniel Farke will be pleased with his new signing, Pierre Lees-Melou. He showed glimpses of all-around talent in central midfield, breaking up play and getting forward in a box-to-box role. Young right-back Max Aarons also looked promising, attempting to get forward and support Todd Cantwell down the right flank.
Farke will want more from star striker Teemu Pukki, however. The Finnish striker scored 26 goals last season, but he was underwhelming against Liverpool with just one shot.
Previous Meetings
Manchester City have a dominant recent record against Norwich. The Citizens have won nine of the last 13 meetings between the sides, including a 5-0 home win in the most recent match at the Etihad.
Despite their poor record against City, Norwich have produced some shock results in recent years. The Canaries defeated City 3-2 at home in the 2019/20 season. They also triumphed at the Etihad in 2013, beating City 3-2 away.
Verdict
City come into this match as overwhelming favourites. They rarely lose three games in a row, and they are dangerous after a defeat. Norwich showed glimpses of quality against Liverpool, but they will need to be at their best and get Teemu Pukki firing to gain a point in Manchester.
