Preston vs Norwich Prediction: Play-off chasers clash at Deepdale

Norwich City are in pole position to secure the final play-off place in the Championship, but they face a tough trip to Preston this weekend, who still harbour their own ambitions of gatecrashing the top six. A defeat for either team will hamper, or in PNE’s case end, their promotion hopes. 

It’s a massive encounter to look forward to, and below you can find my Preston vs Norwich prediction, featuring a couple of betting tips for you to consider. 

Team News

Milutin Osmajic is sure to be named in Preston’s starting XI, after bagging a hat-trick off the bench in midweek. It means Ryan Lowe is likely to put Emil Riis on the bench as Osmajic looks to add to the eight goals he had to his name already this season. He is likely to be the only change after an impressive 4-1 win over Huddersfield. The back three will hope to keep another clean sheet after two in their last four games. 

Meanwhile Norwich will be without Liam Gibbs, after he was injured just after coming on against Sheffield Wednesday. It’s likely that David Wagner will trust the same XI that put his side 2-0 up in midweek, with Ashley Barnes starting behind Josh Sargent in attack. Key man Jon Rowe is nearing a return, and could be in the matchday squad which will give the Canaries a huge boost for the run-in. 

Match Odds

Preston are priced at 21/10 to win this game, giving them an implied win probability of 32%. It’s an evenly-matched tie according to the bookies, but Norwich are the slight favourites at 13/10, with a draw available at 23/10. BTTS can be backed at 4/6 and over 2.5 goals is 10/11.

Draw @ 23/10

I cannot separate these two teams on paper and so I feel we can get great value in backing the draw. Norwich are a fantastic side but they do have their weaknesses, which were apparent at Hillsborough in midweek. Their Achilles’ Heel this season has been their form on the road, and they let a two-goal lead slip against Sheffield Wedneday, eventually drawing 2-2. 

They are a different team away from Carrow Road, with the 19th best away record in the league this season. I think it’s something Preston will try and take advantage of, as they push for the win. A draw is unlikely to be enough for PNE, but I just don’t think they’ll have what it takes to get all three points, against a side who know how damaging a defeat could be. 

I can’t separate them so I am happy to go for the draw on this occasion.

Josh Sargent to score anytime @ 15/8

This is quite an easy selection. American international Josh Sargent is one of the finest strikers in the division, and since returning from injury, he has transformed this Norwich side. He’s now got 15 goals in 23 Championship appearances which is incredibly impressive off the back of serious ankle surgery. 

More recently he has scored four goals in six games, including the opening strike at Hillsborough in midweek. PNE have had a reasonably tight defence of late, but I think Norwich will be able to find the net - and if they do, it is likely to be Sargent.  

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