On Saturday afternoon, Manchester United and Norwich City go head-to-head in what could prove to be a decisive clash at both ends of the Premier League table.
With only seven games remaining this season, Norwich find themselves rooted to the foot of the table – seven points from safety.
🔜 Up next: #MUNNOR 🔴#MUFC | #PL— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 13, 2022
🔜 Up next: #MUNNOR 🔴#MUFC | #PL
At the opposite end of the standings, Man Utd sit seventh – six points outside the top four. Can they secure Champions League football for next season?
The Red Devils head into Saturday’s clash on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Everton.
Despite racking up 68% possession and 12 shots at Goodison Park last weekend, Man Utd failed to make the most of their dominance and were made to pay for their wastefulness.
Ralf Rangnick’s side have only managed to win one of their previous five Premier League games, recording two draws and two losses in the process.
When you look at the bigger picture, they have picked up a solitary victory in their past seven encounters across all competitions.
As for Norwich, they come into this clash on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 win against fellow relegation strugglers Burnley.
Last weekend’s victory ended an eight-game winless run for the Canaries. During that period, they registered two draws and six losses between early February and early April.
There is no hiding the fact that Norwich have managed to win just five of their 31 Premier League outings this season, recording six draws and 20 defeat along the way.
Not only are Dean Smith’s men the lowest scorers in England’s top tier (20), but they also have the second-worst defensive record (63).
Head-to-head: Norwich have only managed to win one of their past ten meetings with Man Utd across all competitions, with the Red Devils winning each of the previous five.
It is also worth pointing out that Man Utd have scored over 2.5 goals in five of their last nine victories over the Canaries.
Team news: Man Utd are currently without a host of players due to injury, including Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Scott McTominay, Fred and Edinson Cavani.
Meanwhile, Norwich will be without the injured trio of Adam Idah, Andrew Omobamidele and Ozan Kabak for the trip to Old Trafford.
While Norwich will almost certainly be playing Championship football next season, Man Utd are still in the hunt for a top-four finish.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Man Utd will score over 2.5 goals and keep a clean sheet on their way to dispatching Norwich.