Norwich v Manchester City predictions: De Bruyne can lead the Citizens charge

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Norwich City v Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League, 5.30pm, Saturday

Best bets

Kevin De Bruyne first goalscorer
1pt 11-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

Kevin De Bruyne to score at any time
1pt 8-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

Team news

Norwich
Josh Sargent is available after illness but Lukas Rupp is struggling with a hamstring problem while Ozan Kabak and Andrew Omobanidele are out.

Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out with a muscle injury while Cole Palmer is also unavailable.

Match preview

Norwich's last two league victories have cost Claudio Ranieri and Rafa Benitez their jobs and while their successes over Watford and Everton would not have been considered seismic shocks, a win over Premier League leaders Manchester City would be.

But we have been here before as the Canaries' 3-2 victory over the Citizens in 2019 was the highlight of their last Premier League campaign, that ended in relegation.

Those victories over the Toffees and Hornets have given the Canaries hope, even if their task to stay in the top flight has become tougher after some decent January recruitment at Newcastle.

However, a visit from Pep Guardiola's team, who have a nine-point lead having played one more match than second-placed Liverpool, represents a free hit after a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in midweek.

The Eagles missed a penalty in that clash but there has been evidence of some belief around Carrow Road and an FA Cup win at Wolves will have been a boost to confidence levels even if materially it will not aid their survival push.

In the meantime, City have just gone about their business, even if a 1-1 draw at Southampton in their last away game was only the second occasion this term that they haven't won on their travels since they were beaten 1-0 at Tottenham on opening weekend.

The Canaries may be heartened by the fact that Guardiola's side have conceded in six of their last nine away games, including against League Two Swindon in the FA Cup, but the flipside of that is that Dean Smith's team have scored just 14 goals in 24 league games this season.

So, while City's recent statistics may suggest their defence can be penetrated, it is questionable whether Norwich have the resources and ability to do that.

The absence of striker Gabriel Jesus should not hinder City too much and the club's Premier League goalscoring charts are led by four players on seven goals - Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.

It is the last of those who perhaps generates the most interest from a betting perspective.

De Bruyne was on target in the midweek 2-0 win over Brentford which took his tally to five goals in his last nine league appearances, a run which included a winner of great quality over Champions League winners Chelsea.

The Belgian is a master at picking up the bits when those ahead of him see their efforts blocked and while all but one of his goals have come at the Etihad, he looks worth supporting in both the first-goalscorer and anytime-goalscorer markets.

Key stat

Manchester City have conceded in six of their last eight away games

Inside info

Norwich

Penalty taker Teemu Pukki
Free-kick wizard Milot Rashica
Set-piece aerial threat Grant Hanley
Card magnet Max Aarons

Manchester City

Penalty taker Kevin De Bruyne/Raheem Sterling
Free-kick wizardKevin De Bruyne
Set-piece aerial threatRuben Dias
Card magnetAymeric Laporte

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