Newcastle United
Newcastle host Norwich on Wednesday night as the 2 relegated sides battled for supremacy at the top of the Championship table. Newcastle will be annoyed dropping points at Villa late on Saturday evening but a win over leaders Norwich will close the gap to just 1 point between the 2 sides.
Benetez's side are winless in 2 games now following their shock 0-2 loss to Wolves the previous week and the pressure is back on once again. Newcastle started the season with 2 losses but then won the next 5 before this 2 game run.
At home it's 2 wins and 2 losses with 0 draws. The loss to Wolves is the only blank at home this season Defensively, Newcastle appeared to be getting things sorted with 4 clean sheets in a row however in the last 2 they have conceded 3 goals.
Norwich City
Norwich City are at the top of the Championship table with 20 points. With the Canaries on a 4 game winning streak they will fancy their chances at St James with Newcastle not looking a good as they did a few weeks ago.
Norwich have scored 2 goals or more in the last 4 but haven't kept a clean sheet over that period. 4/6 wins have also come by a single goal margin so they are not dominating teams.
Without disgracing Norwich's excellent start to the season, 5 wins and 16 points from their 20 has come against bottom half of the table sides. Most of these games have also been at home and the only away game to a top 6 side ended in a 3-0 loss at Birmingham.
Betting Verdict
Newcastle United need to beat Norwich not just to make up ground but to firmly establish themselves as the top dogs in this division. Benitez will want to rediscover the form that saw Newcastle win 5 straight with 4 to nil.
Norwich are a tough nut to crack and will certainly finish in the top 3 this season. I do have doubts though and they haven't performed well at their only visit to a strong side in this division.
Newcastle on the other hand have already defeated Brighton (2-0) and Reading (4-1) (3rd and 4th) at home. It must be said that losses to Wolves and Huddersfield were unexpected but under the lights I expect Newcastle to have too much for Norwich.
The visitors are free scoring but don't keep many clean sheets. If Newcastle take the lead I expect them to get that second especially as Norwich throw players forward. Narrow home win.
