Norwich have really picked up since Alex Neil was appointed manager following the resignation of Neil Adams. In his two matches since taking over, his new side have taken maximum points with wins away at Bournemouth and home to Cardiff. The first of these victories was particularly impressive as it was against the league leaders who had not been defeated since September. This wins have moved them to within a point of the play-off positions but you have to think, with the squad of players they have, they won’t have given up hope making the automatic promotion spots.
Having earned promotion from League One last season, Brentford have acquitted themselves very well at this level over the first half of the season. They have been in and around the top six for the majority of the season and are currently three points ahead of this weekend’s opponents. What will have pleased Mark Warburton, as manager, is how they have recovered from losing three consecutive games over Christmas and New Year to win their last two Championship games. Both of those were 1-0 successes, at home to Rotherham and away at Brighton.
When you look through the options that Norwich have then it was somewhat of a surprise to see how much they struggled for consistency for much of the season, especially at home. They weren’t helped with injuries to key players but now they have the majority of their squad fit and with the impact the new manager has had, things are looking much more positive at the club. They’re now looking to win their fourth game in a row at Carrow Road for the first time since 2012.
The Bees have won six of their 13 away games this season but only one of those have come against a side who currently sit in the top half of the table – and that was at Forest who occupy 12th, at the moment. Defeats on the road to Middlesbrough, Watford, Bournemouth and Wolves are an indication that they have lacked that bit extra to take on the better sides in the league on their own patch.
This promises to be a very decent match between two sides in the top seven heading into this weekend. Much was expected of Norwich at the beginning of the season and the signs are there that they can fulfil that potential with the change in management. Brentford have been the surprise package thus far but I do think they lack that extra bit of quality which may well be the difference again today. I fancy Norwich to continue their excellent start, under Neil.
Norwich 8/11 @ Betfred
