Liverpool travel to Norwich looking for their first win in the Premier League this month. The Reds lost their last game to rivals Manchester United at home while the Canaries are also lost 3-0 away to Bournemouth. Liverpool are now 8 points away from the top 4 and are in desperate need of points if they want to give themselves any chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
There is no immediate pressure on Jurgen Klopp to get the results, but he’d want a better start to his career at Anfield. Meanwhile, Norwich City are fighting to maintain their top-flight status, and a result against Liverpool will be a major boost for them.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Channel: Star Sports 4 & Star Sports HD 4
Date and Time: 23 January, 18:15 IST
Venue: Carrow Road
Team News
Norwich
There are absolutely zero injury concerns for Norwich City, but Gary O'Neil is suspended after getting sent off in the game against Stoke City. Norwich City boss Alex Neil might also hand debuts to new signings Naismith, Pinto and Klose.
Liverpool
Since joining Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has had a number of injuries to deal with, and the situation doesn’t seem to change. The Reds still have as many as 10 players injured, including the likes of Martin Skrtel, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho. The Liverpool line-up is not too difficult to predict considering the number of injuries. Adam Lallana’s injury means Christian Benteke might return to the starting XI while Joe Allen might also get a chance ahead of Lucas Leiva. Jordon Ibe is also expected to return to starting XI, after impressing in the game against Exeter City.
Probable Lineups
Norwich City(4-4-1-1): Rudd; Pinto, Klose, Bassong, Brady; Odjidja, Howson, Tettey, Jarvis; Hoolahan; Naismith
Liverpool(4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Clyne, Caulker, Sakho, Moreno; Emre Can, Henderson; Milner, Ibe, Firmino; Benteke
Form
Norwich City
Norwich City have won just two of their last 5 fixtures in the league. The two wins coming against Aston Villa and Southampton while they lost to Tottenham, Stoke City, and Bournemouth. The Canaries are just two points above the relegation zone, and will be hoping to get few results in their way between now and May.
Last 5 Matches: L-W-W-L-L ( Last match: Bournemouth 3-0 Norwich)
Liverpool
The visitors have also won just two games in their last 5 fixtures in the league. The two wins coming against Leicester City and Sunderland, since then they lost 2-0 to West Ham United, 1-0 to Manchester United, and a 3-3 draw at home against Arsenal. One can understand it’s difficult for Jurgen Klopp to get the points with so many players out injured, but top 4 is slowly getting out of sight for the Reds, and a win against Norwich is absolutely crucial.
Last 5 Matches: W-W-L-D-L ( Last match: Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United)
Key Stats
Liverpool have scored 22 goals in their last 6 league games against Norwich, with Luis Suarez scoring 12 of them.
Norwich have not won in 11 league games against Liverpool. (L9 D2)
Liverpool have won just one of their last 4 away games in the league, scoring just one goal.
Only Aston Villa have a shot conversion rate less than Liverpool in the league. (10.3%)
No team has conceded more goals from cross than Norwich City.
Key Battles
Roberto Firmino vs Sebastien Bassong
There is little doubt about Firmino’s talent, but he needs to be more clinical in front of the goal. The Brazilian has scored just 3 goals since joining Liverpool, with two of the coming against Arsenal. At times, Firmino has been really impressive, it’s just that he needs to be more involved if playing up front. Bassong should be aware of his qualities, and must not give him too much time and space on the ball. The Norwich defender should close the gaps quickly, and keep him in check throughout the 90 minutes.
Steven Naismith vs Steven Caulker
Steven Naismith is likely to make his debut for Norwich today against Liverpool. The former Everton forward knows the quality of the Liverpool side very well, and should be itching to get on the scoresheet against Liverpool. Steven Caulker is also likely to make his first start, and will be looking to impress Jurgen Klopp. It’ll be interesting to see if Caulker can solve Liverpool’s problems at the back, especially defending set-pieces.
Betting Odds (bet365)
Norwich – 10/3
Draw – 5/2
Liverpool – 19/20
Prediction
You expect Liverpool to win games like this, and the Reds should do enough to take home the three points.
Norwich City 0-2 Liverpool
