Liverpool vs Norwich Predictions: Back a Second Stanza Bonanza at Anfield

After Liverpool’s record breaking EFL Cup triumph last Sunday which saw them overcome Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea in dramatic fashion, they now host the Canaries back at Anfield in the last 16 of the historic FA Cup with Jurgen Klopp’s side significant favourites to beat Norwich for what could be the fourth time already this season.

Times have been tough for Norwich; it took eleven games until they picked up maximum points in the Premier League, then a run of six straight games without registering a league goal which stretched from December until mid-January hit them hard. They are currently sat at the foot of the league table.

The Reds will certainly be on a high after obtaining the first piece of silverware available domestically this season however they’ll have quickly put that behind them and full focus will be expected from the German boss ahead of this tie. Liverpool head into this game in emphatic form with nine wins on the spin prior to Sunday’s clash which in that time saw them beat Norwich by three goals to one despite trailing with half an hour to go.

It's no surprise seeing how disproportional the visitors ‘XG’ data is when playing away from Carrow Road in the Premier League. A 0.7 Expected Goals for is heavily outweighed by 2.3 against which has seen Norwich concede in 85% of away fixtures whilst finding the back of the net in a mere 31%.

The Anfield crowd almost acts as a twelfth man for Liverpool, which makes them an even bigger force when playing at home. Ten wins from thirteen sits them top of the home table that has seen them score the most alongside Manchester City (36) and concede the fewest (7). In those thirteen home league matches The Reds have accumulated a staggering XG of 37.24 in comparison to just 7.78 against.

Each side has participated in two previous rounds to make it to the last 16. Liverpool knocked out League One outfit Shrewsbury followed by Welsh side Cardiff where both games saw the visitors score in those victories. Dean Smith’s men got the better of Charlton at The Valley in southeast London which was followed up by another narrow away win against a resolute Wolves.

Heading into Wednesday night’s clash the visitors have a number of key players unavailable, fullbacks Max Aarons and Brandon Williams are out alongside Ozan Kabak which isn’t an ideal situation given Liverpool’s frightening forward line. The only known absentee for the hosts is Spaniard Thiago who pulled up in the warm-up moments before Sunday’s final.

It’s sometimes easier said than done finding a strong angle in what is expected to be a one-sided affair on Merseyside. In all three previous H2Hs this season Liverpool have scored on multiple occasions after the break (2,2,3) and for a repeat you can back this at a reasonable 21/20 with William Hill.

 

Kostas Tsimikas may start ahead of Andrew Robertson as the Scot just played the full 120 minutes against Chelsea so could be given chance to rest. The Greek international started in the previous round and impressed many with his attacking instincts. He is currently 3/1 to register an assist. Please remember if you are following these bets to gamble responsibly.