Norwich City vs Watford: Preview & Prediction

Norwich City are still in contention to secure Premier League survival, but face a must-win encounter against Watford at Carrow Road on Wednesday evening.

The Canaries require all three points if they are to maintain any hope of preserving their top-flight status – a tough ask when they have not picked up any points since their 3-2 victory against fellow strugglers Newcastle United back in early April.

The goals have dried up for Norwich – Alex Neil’s side have not found the back of the net in their last four league outings with 1993 the last time they went five Premier League games without scoring.

Time is running out for Neil, who has admitted that he will consider his future in the summer, and he needs his players to provide a big performance, and gain a significant slice of good fortune if they are to retain their Premier League spot for next term.

After a hard-fought but ultimately toothless display in their 1-0 defeat against Manchester United on Saturday, any hopes of saving their season rely on a victory against the Hornets.

Meanwhile, Watford have been a revelation this season with some excellent performances, and they fully deserve a mid-table finish, although that hasn’t stopped speculation on the future of boss Quique Sanchez Flores.

After such a flying start back in the top flight since the 2006/07 campaign, their form has dropped, as have the goals. Top goalscorer Odion Ighalo, so prolific earlier in the season, has failed to score in 12 league games.

The omens do not look good for Norwich as the Hornets breezed past them earlier in the campaign with a 2-0 victory at Vicarage Road – with deadly strike duo Troy Deeney and Ighalo bagging a goal each.

Team News:

Midfielder Jonny Howson is definitely out for the season as he suffered knee ligament damage against Man United at the weekend.

However, defender Ryan Bennett returns to the squad for Neil’s Norwich on Wednesday.

As for Watford, midfielders Valon Behrami and Etienne Capoue both will miss the trip to Carrow Road, due to respective rib and knee problems.

League Positions: Norwich City – 19th (31 pts); Watford – 13th (44 pts)
Previous Meeting: Watford 2-0 Norwich City (December 5, 2015)
Form: Norwich City – WWLLLL; Watford – DWLLWL
Key Men: Norwich City – Wes Hoolahan; Watford – Troy Deeney
Shoot Says: Norwich City 1-1 Watford