By Michael Cowlishaw
With 12 games to go, many of the Premier Leagues mid-table sides are now approaching the all-important 40 point marker. The significance of this is that it is regarded by most, as being the safety line for teams to reach if they are to guarantee another season in the top flight.
However, it’s not unheard of for that marker to shift, depending on the form of the sides that currently occupy the relegation zone, and those above them. The Canaries currently find themselves in 14th on 29 points, and have unfortunately gone without a win in nine games. Despite this, Norwich are unbeaten in three games, and are showing the defensive form that helped them to a magnificent 10 game unbeaten run, just before Christmas.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the draw with Fulham on Saturday, Chris Hughton said he was happy with the progress Norwich are making. He said that “I think we have to look at the positives. Certainly we are a lot tighter as a unit and are obviously not conceding the goals.’’ True as that is, the Canaries aren’t scoring many either at the moment, with new signings Luciano Becchio and Kei Kamara failing to make an instant impact.
Given time, though, both could help Norwich in achieving their goal of reaching the finish line for Premier League safety. These are the 12 games left for them to do so, and by looking at them carefully. A route to Premier league safety should become clear.
Everton: Saturday 23rd February – HOME
This is now a massive fixture. After the disappointment of failing to score against Fulham, Norwich will be looking to beat Everton and stop the winless streak hanging over them. Everton will be looking to bounce back after losing to Manchester United and continue to apply pressure on the top four.
Prediction: 2-1 Norwich Win – Norwich will have home advantage and with a resilient defence, they should be able to hold off Everton.
Points Tally – 32
Manchester United: 2nd March – AWAY
Prediction: 3-1 Manchester United Win – Given the ‘Red Devils’ current form, Norwich would be lucky to get anything from this match. Man. U are chasing the title hard, and want to get it as quickly as possible. I don’t see us getting much from this match, but you never know?
Points Tally – 32
Southampton: 7th March – HOME
Prediction: 2-0 Norwich Win – Southampton are in good form, and look one of the teams most likely to avoid relegation, but I feel Norwich could beat them on their day. This is certainly a game Chris Hughton will be targeting as a must-win!
Points Tally – 35
Sunderland: 17th March – AWAY
Prediction: 1-0 Sunderland Win – The North East is not a happy hunting ground for the Canaries, and the ‘Black Cats’ will be looking to secure their own Premier League status for another season. A draw would be a fantastic result for Norwich if they can do it?
Points Tally – 35
Wigan: 30th March – AWAY
Prediction: 2-2 DRAW – The ‘Latics’ are the Premier Leagues escape artists, and this year could be no different with them avoiding the drop again. By this point in the season, they could have come on strong again, and Norwich will do well to come away from Wigan with a point.
Ponts Tally – 36
Swansea: 6th April – HOME
Prediction: 3-2 Swansea Win – This prediction may raise a few eyebrows, but there is every chance Norwich could come unstuck against the ‘Swans’. Michael Laudrup has got them playing at an incredible level, and by now, they could have already lifted a domestic cup! Lets hope I’m wrong on the day?
Points Tally – 36
Arsenal: 13th April – AWAY
Prediction: 3-0 Arsenal Win – The Gunners will not give up their top four position without a fight. Like the Manchester United game previously, we will do well to get anything from this match.
Points Tally – 36
Reading: 20th April – HOME
Prediction: 1-0 Norwich Win – Reading could very well be nearly safe themselves at this point, but I feel Norwich will be too strong for them. This is a vital win that takes Norwich to the edge of the safety line.
Points Tally – 39
Stoke: 27th April – AWAY
Prediction: 1-1 DRAW – The game against Stoke could be the earliest I believe Norwich can reach the 40 point marker, and it would be important for them do it with games in hand. Both sides are similar in style, and a draw is a likely outcome.
40 points!! (Safety, given the points tallies of other seasons)
Three games remaining:
Aston Villa – May 4th HOME
West Brom – May 12 HOME
Manchester City – May 19th AWAY
For all the latest updates follow Canaries Chatter on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
