Premier League: Norwich City v Newcastle United match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Carrow Road

Papiss Cisse (GETTY IMAGES)

Chris Hughton’s side lost all four of their festive features having previously gone ten games unbeaten. Norwich, who currently sit 12th, will be hoping a return to the form which saw the Canaries beat Arsenal, Manchester United and Stoke at home earlier this season.

Norwich will be hopeful club captain Grant Holt will be available along with Jonny Howson. John Ruddy (groin), Steve Morison (thigh), Steven Whittaker and Andrew Surman (both hip) are all unavailable.

Alan Pardew’s side sit bottom of the Premier League form guide, with only three points in their last six matches. Newcastle are drifting dangerously close to the relegation zone with only two points separating the Magpies and Wigan Athletic in 18th.  After losing to Championship side Brighton in the FA Cup, Newcastle will be hoping to kick start their season at Carrow Road.

With Demba Ba now applying his trade in west London and Shola Ameobi serving a one-game suspension, Papiss Cisse is likely to start as the lone striker. French right-back Mathieu Debuchy is in line for a debut, while Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez should return.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Newcastle 1 (Ba) Norwich 0, Premier League, September 2012

Newcastle 1 (Cisse) Norwich 0, Premier League, March 2012

Norwich 4 (Hoolahan, Holt x2, Morison) Newcastle 2 (Ba x2), Premier League, December 2011

STATS…

Norwich lost all four league games over Christmas and New Year.

The Canaries have scored the highest percentage of headed goals in the Premier League with 38% coming aerially. 

Newcastle won the reverse fixture with Demba Ba scoring the only goal. Papiss Cisse missed a penalty for the Magpies.

Alan Pardew is yet to win any of Newcastle’s 16 away games this season in all competitions.

Newcastle have won 3 of their last 16 league games since Pardew signed his seven-year contact. Before Pardew signed his new deal Newcastle had won 9 of their previous 16.

Newcastle have 3 fewer points than they had after 21 games in 08/09, the season they were relegated.

ODDS…

Norwich to win: 2.24

Newcastle to win: 3.6

Draw: 3.5

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm