Ready for it? The English Premier League is back and Liverpool will Kick-off the season tomorrow night, August 9, 2019, when they welcome Norwich to Anfield. On paper, Liverpool vs. Norwich look like an easy win for the Reds. However, both sides are well-deserved champions, so it won’t be an easy game for Liverpool. Norwich won the Championship title to reach the premier league while Liverpool won the UEFA champions league.
How ready are the teams?
The pre-season was not a fantastic one for Jurgen Klopp’s men as they were only able to pick up three victories from their eight warm-up matches losing the FA community shield on penalties against manchester city last week after a 1-1 draw. Norwich, on the other hand, had a so-so pre-season result. But with the competitive juice flowing again, both teams are expected to be different.
Liverpool vs. Norwich Stats
- Liverpool have scored five goals against Norwich in four of their last meeting
- Liverpool have won 10 of their previous 12 matches against Norwich, and the other two were drawn
- Liverpool has scored three or more goals in their opening premier league gamer in each of the last three seasons.
Team News
For the Reds, Nathaniel Clyne is ruled out of the clash after sustaining a knee injury in pre-season action. James Milner might also not be available, as he is recovering from a muscle injury. Sadio mane is expected to back and start after his holiday.
For Norwich, Christoph Zimmermann and Timm Klose are ruled out due to injury. Also, Bem Godfrey is in doubt to start. Ralf Fahmann is set to be the man between the sticks, while new signings Josip Drmic and Sam Byram are likely to start from the bench.
Key Players
Mohammed Salah
Although the Egyptian had only a brief appearance against Lyon as preparation, he played the full 90 minutes in the community shield against manchester city. In the community shield, Salah had a total of 10 shots, four of which were on target. Although he was not as sharp and trickish as he used to be, he was the biggest threat for Manchester City in that game, and he is likely to the biggest danger for Norwich on Friday night.
Teemu Pukki
Does that name sound familiar? Teemu is not a household name yet, but he was the highest goal scorer in the Championship last season netting 29 goals. In the friendly the six-foot-tall striker has featured in – against Atalanta and Toulouse, he took nine shots, seven which were on target.
Verdict
The last time Liverpool begin a premier league season at home against Norwich, they won the EPL title ahead of Manchester City in 2nd. Liverpool won 1-0 in that fixture. While Liverpool fans will be hoping history repeats itself, it is unlikely that Liverpool will win by a single goal on Friday.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Norwich
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