Norwich vs Watford Prediction: Championship rivals tough to separate

Last season’s Championship play-off semi-finalists Norwich are taking time to live up to those expectations under new manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, having won only one of their opening five league assignments.

The Canaries limped to a 1-0 loss at Swansea last weekend and they have been held to draws in their opening two league games at Carrow Road against Blackburn and Sheffield United. Improvement is expected to come soon but another tough test awaits on Saturday (12:30, Sky Sports+) at home to Watford, who are fifth in the early-season standings after amassing ten points from their first five matches.

Norwich vs Watford Odds

Despite their sluggish start to the season, Norwich are 5/4 to make amends while Watford are 11/5 for a fourth league win of the campaign and the draw is available at 12/5.

Both teams have scored in five of Norwich's last six Championship home games and that is a 4/6 chance, while over 2.5 goals can be backed at 5/6.

Norwich’s American international Josh Sargent, who has netted in both home league games against Blackburn and Sheffield United, heads the first goalscorer betting at 9/2.

Team News

Norwich must plan for this clash with Watford without seasoned striker Ashley Barnes and midfielders Christian Fassnacht and Jacob Lungi Sorensen.

Watford, on the other hand, are without the services of Imran Louza, Giorgi Chakvetadze, Kevin Keben and Jeremy Ngakia for their trip to Carrow Road.

Draw & both teams to score @ 16/5

Norwich are still coming to terms with the high-profile departures of Gabriel Sara and Jonathan Rowe, while they are also still adjusting to the managerial methods of summer appointment Hoff Thorup.

The Canaries look a work in progress after last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Swansea and they make little appeal as favourites to bounce back against Watford, who have lost only one of their opening five Championship assignments.

The Hornets had won their opening three league games against Millwall, Stoke and Derby and they look capable of adding another point to their collection following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to Coventry.

Norwich have been held to score draws in their first two home league games against Blackburn and Sheffield United, which means they have now drawn their last five Championship clashes at Carrow Road.

Borja Sainz to score at anytime @ 11/4

One shining light for Norwich this season has been the performances of Spaniard Borja Sainz, who has stepped up to the plate following the sales of Sara and Rowe.

The 23-year-old has grabbed three goals in seven appearances in league and cup this season and he looks a big price to maintain that fine form against Watford, who have conceded at least twice in four of their last six away league matches.

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

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