Manchester City vs Norwich City preview: Kevin De Bruyne and co will hope extend stay at the top

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium

Friday 30 October 2015 16:07 GMT

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It’s a big game for…

John Ruddy: Norwich City are the only team that have failed to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season and Ruddy has conceded 11 goals in his last four appearances. The goalkeeper’s place in the side is under threat as back up Declan Rudd has produced a string of decent performances in the Capital One Cup.

Best stat…

5.4

The average number of goals per game in the last six meetings between these two sides in the Premier League – despite a 0-0 draw the last time they met. Of those 32 goals, Manchester City have scored 24 of them to average four goals a game against the Canaries in the past five years.

Remember when…

Manchester City were at their brilliant best as they completed a comprehensive 6-1 win at Carrow Road en route to being crowned champions for the first time in 44 years. Carlos Tevez scored a hat-trick and fellow countryman Sergio Aguero netted twice as City went on to win their last six games and lift the Premier League title.

Player to watch…

Kevin De Buyne: The Belgian has netted in eight of his last 11 games for club and country to prove that he could well be worth the hefty fee that Manchester City paid for him in the summer. He’s helped the Citizens win five of their last six games and should play another major role in this one with the continued absence of David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

Past three-meetings…

Norwich City 0 Manchester City 0
Premier League, February 2014

Manchester City 7 (Johnson og, Silva, Nastasic, Negredo, Toure, Aguero, Dzeko) Norwich City 0
Premier League, November 2013

Manchester City 2 (Rodwell 2) Norwich City 3 (Pilkington, Holt, Howson)
Premier League, May 2013

Form guide…

Manchester City: WWWWDW

Norwich City: WDLLLL*

(* = lost on penalties after draw in normal time)

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 3pm, Saturday, 31 October

TV: Highlights on BBC1 from 10.25pm

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering