A fascinating game is ahead of us on Saturday afternoon as these two sides come head to head.  Both sides have had very contrasting starts to their 2021/22 campaign with the canaries only picking up one point so far in the Premier League against Burnley before the international break. However the visitors Brighton have had a tremendous start to their campaign they come into Saturday's game at Carrow Road on a four-game unbeaten run, but they have drawn their last two.

Coming back after the international break, both sides sit on the opposite spectrum of the Premier League table. Daniel Farke's side sit rock bottom of the Premier League table however for the away side Graham Potter's side are positioned sixth in the Premier League level on points with Manchester United and Everton

The fans will be pleased that they have finally ended their Premier League losing streak. Now all Norwich needs to do is find a winning formula and they may still have a chance of surviving this season. Before the international break, the Canaries finally got their season up and running by drawing 0-0 against Burnley at Turf Moor. They rode their luck a few times but also had a few chances of their own with Mathias Norman striking the woodwork.

 

Norwich City have no doubt struggled to keep up with the pace of the other promoted sides such as Brentford and Watford but they will be looking to build on the result and performance in their last Premier League outing. There are various players who are valuable assets for Daniel Farke the main one being Teemu Pukki and after having a successful international campaign he will be hoping he provides the goals for the team as they look to fight for survival. 

Teemu Pukki - Norwich City talisman Teemu Pukki will be hoping he can deliver in a similar fashion for the club as he did for Finland. He became the country's all-time record goalscorer after netting a brace against Kazakhstan in a midweek World Cup Qualifier. Teemu Pukki is the only Norwich player to have found the net in the Premier League this season with two goals to his name so far. Both his goals have come at Carrow Road.

Full-back Sam Byram is expected to miss out with injury, however, Todd Cantwell, Christoph Zimmermann, and Mathias Normann all have a slight chance of being called up to the starting Xl after a few weeks on the sidelines.

Whether it’s a returning Todd Cantwell or Kieran Dowell getting another chance, or summer signings Milot Rashica or Christos Tzolis stepping up, reinstating that supply line is crucial. 

The defensive foundations are needed but if a creative edge cannot be found, then the more physical presences of Josh Sargent and Adam Idah could well prove better suited to a more direct approach, as City get into the top-flight trenches and try to grind out the points which would allow confidence to build. 

As for the hosts, Graham Potter's side extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to six with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal last time out and coming into this game having won three and drawn one of the four fixtures played away from home in all competitions so far this season.

Midfielder Yves Bissouma’s status is unknown with him not only having been dealing with a knee injury, but also being arrested and released on bail during the international break, whilst Danny Welbeck and Steven Alzate are both out of contention for this one, although Adam Webster and Enock Mwepu could each play a part. 

The Seagulls come into the game highflying in the league as they currently occupy sixth position level on points with Manchester United and Everton. Leandro Trossard and Neal Maupay have had an influence on their side fantastic start to the 20/21 Premier League campaign.

Brighton will be well drilled on how to take advantage of the Canaries’ frailties. Away from home, in particular, Brighton have been outstanding and with all their league goals scored so far on the road coming in the second half, this is a testament to their fitness.

  • Last Five Meetings

4th July 2020: Norwich City 0-1 Brighton Hove Albion

2nd November 2019: Brighton Hove Albion 2-0 Norwich City

21st April 2017: Norwich City 2-0 Brighton Hove Albion

29th October 2016: Brighton Hove Albion 5-0 Norwich City

3rd April 2015: Brighton Hove Albion 0-2 Norwich City

 

 

 

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