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Norwich kick off their return to the Premier League after an one-season absence as the Canaries welcome Liverpool to Carrow Road.
After enduring a disastrous 2019-20 season in the top flight in which they were relegated and ended that campaign with ten consecutive defeats, Norwich are looking for a more successful season this time round.
Liverpool meanwhile will be looking to mount a title challenge after enduring a difficult 2020-21 campaign in which they almost missed out on Champions League qualification, only to ultimately snatch third on the final day.
Team News
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Summer signing from Werder Bremen, Milot Rashica is a doubt for Norwich following a Coronavirus outbreak amongst first team players, with Grant Hanley, Onel Hernandez, Jordan Hugill, Bali Mumba and Przemyslaw Placheta also considered doubtful.
Todd Cantwell and Lukas Rupp both face late fitness tests following ankle injuries, whilst Sam Byram (hamstring) is definitely ruled out.
Liverpool will be without Curtis Jones after he suffered concussion during Monday’s 3-1 friendly win over Osasuna.
Jordan Henderson is a fitness doubt and could join Andrew Robertson on the sidelines after the Scottish left-back suffered an ankle injury in pre-season.
Stat Attack
- Norwich have drawn just two of their last 14 league meetings against Liverpool (D2, L12).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight trips to Carrow Road (W7, D1).
- Only one penalty has been awarded in 18 previous Premier League meetings between Norwich and Liverpool, with the Canaries scoring that spot-kick.
- Norwich have lost just one of their last five opening weekend fixtures (W2, D2, L1).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight fixtures on opening weekend of a new season (W7, D1), plus have scored four goals in each of their last three opening games in last three seasons.
Prediction
Having invested heavily this summer in positive attacking reinforcement, Norwich hopefully will be less of a rollover than two seasons ago and be able to really make a decent fist of a survival fight although goals will be key.
Liverpool however has majority of key players back from injury especially in defence although Robertson will be a huge loss on the left-flank, yet I really cannot see them not turning up and delivering a strong performance given their quality.
Daniel Farke’s Canaries however should view ending the Reds’ recent run of four goals in their last three openers as a decent step forward, although they will need to deliver an improved defensive display than what we saw two seasons ago.
Prediction: Norwich 0-2 Liverpool
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