Wolverhampton Wanderers head to Norwich City on Saturday aiming to get back to winning ways. Nuno Santo Espirito’s team were beaten last weekend by Tottenham Hotspur thanks to a 90th-minute Jan Vertonghen header.
The loss ended a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a difficult season due to the number of matches they have already played. Saturday’s match at Norwich City will be their 32nd of the season.
Norwich City are second from bottom heading into round 18 of the Premier League season. The Canaries have taken 12 points of 51 possible. Just three points separate them from safety.
The holiday period in the Premier League could be one that sees Norwich City fall further from safety. A Boxing Day six-point match versus Aston Villa is on tap following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ arrival.
There is hope, however, for Daniel Farke’s team. Norwich City drew 1-1 versus Leicester City last weekend denting the title hopes of the Brendan Rodgers. It was a good performance from Norwich City with star striker Teemu Pukki scoring the team’s only goal.
Pukki did suffer a toe injury during the match and it was believed to be a fracture afterwards. Tests have revealed it isn’t broken, but if Pukki is limited due to the issue, the Canaries maybe cooked.
Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers last played during the 2016-17 EFL Championship season. Wolves were unbeaten in their two fixtures claiming a 2-0 win at Carrow Road and a 2-2 draw at the Molineaux.
The match is likely to see over 2.5 goals scored as Wolverhampton Wanderers take advantage of a porous Norwich City defence. The Canaries have allowed 35 goals, the second-most in the division.
Fifteen of Wolverhampton Wanderers 31 matches have finished with over 2.5 goals scored. Nine of those fixtures came on the road. Meanwhile, Wolves’ last three matches in all competitions saw over 2.5 goals scored.
Injuries shouldn’t be an issue for either side on Saturday. Santo has two players that have been out of action long-term. Centre-back Willy Boly is recovering from a fractured foot while midfielder Morgan White-Gibbs is rehabbing his lower back.
Norwich City’s issues with injuries have eased. Timm Klose and Josip Drmic are long-term absentees and won’t feature versus Wolves. Grant Hanley could be fit to face the visitors after returning to training.
Pukki remains the big question mark. Will his toe be able to take the punishment of 90 minutes of Premier League football?
With Pukki struggling, Wolverhampton Wanderers should continue their good form with a win on Saturday. Expect over 2.5 goals once more from these teams.