Norwich City v Sheffield United: Blades to maintain unbeaten away record

Simon Mail previews this weekend's game between Norwich and Sheffield United with the visitors backed to continue their unbeaten away run...

Norwich v Sheffield United
Sunday, 14:00

Norwich facing winter of struggle

Norwich City were exceptional overachievers after winning promotion last season but Daniel Farke's side are predictably finding life difficult in the Premier League. The Canaries opted for a conservative transfer strategy over the summer and their lack of quality and squad depth has left them second bottom after 15 matches.

The Canaries pulled off a sensational home win against champions Manchester City in September but have only managed one victory since in their last ten matches. Norwich's defensive weaknesses have been exposed with the team conceding 32 goals - the second worst record in the competition. Teemu Pukki scored his eighth league goal of the season on Wednesday but was unable to prevent Norwich from losing 2-1 at fellow strugglers Southampton.

Blades excelling following promotion

Sheffield United were also playing in the Championship last season but have fared much better than Norwich after an outstanding first four months in the top flight. Chris Wilder is quickly establishing himself as one of the best managers in the country and has guided the Blades into the top half of the table.

Their unbeaten run, prior to Thursday's 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle, stretched back to the end of September when they were unfortunate to lose 1-0 at home to leaders Liverpool. Since this loss, Sheffield United have won at home to Arsenal and claimed draws against Tottenham and Manchester United. There is a great resilience to this team with only Leicester and Liverpool conceding fewer goals this season.

Sheffield United favourites for Carrow Road clash

Norwich have only managed three wins this season and the hosts do not appeal at 3.15 to claim a rare victory this weekend. Farke's side have only taken one point from their last four home matches and face opponents yet to lose on the road. This is a vital game for the hosts but Norwich's inability to keep a clean sheet at Carrow Road makes them hard to fancy.

Sheffield United are [2.42] favourites for this match which is understandable, although it is worth noting their record. The Blades have only managed one win from their seven away games despite being unbeaten. The visitors have been more impressive this season but whether their odds are big enough is debatable.

The draw is the biggest price at 3.55 and has to be seen as the best value in this market. Sheffield United have drawn six of their seven away matches including their last four trips. Norwich held Arsenal in their most recent home game and the best the Canaries might get is another point. Sheffield United are the most likely winners but the draw must be backed at the odds considering their track record.

Blades backed to avoid defeat

In addition to taking the draw, it looks worth supporting Sheffield United to avoid defeat in the double chance market. The Blades are unbeaten away since January and will fancy their chances of continuing this outstanding run at Norwich. Combining this and over 1.5 goals increases the odds to 1.7, which appeals considering there have been at least two goals in all of Norwich's home games this season.

Opta Stat

Lys Mousset has scored three of Sheffield United's last four away goals in the Premier League. Mousset is 11/10 to score again this weekend.