Norwich City V Watford – Friday, 6th August (Championship)

Norwich City V Watford

Friday, 6th August – 7:45 PM Kick-Off
LIVE on Sky Sports

It’s the curtain raiser to the 2010/2011 season, as Norwich play host to Watford at Carrow Road. Despite Watford spending the previous two seasons in the Championship and Norwich having gained promotion only last season when lifting the Coca-Cola League One trophy in May, it’s the Canaries which head into Friday’s encounter as the bookies favourites.

Norwich were simply too good for League One last season, and their 29 wins from 46 games demonstrated just how domineering they were. The likes of Wes Hoolahan, Chris Martin and Grant Holt were too strong for their fellow League One opponents, with the latter two returning with figures of 15 and 24 respectively. However, it’s the latter, Grant Holt, which could miss the clubs opening game of the season following a magistrates hearing over a motoring offence. Holt faces a 200-mile trek back to Norwich and may not arrive back in time for the 7:45PM kick-off. Should he miss the deadline then summer signing Simeon Jackson, who left relegated Gillingham for the Championship, could be handed his début against the side many believe could face the axe come May next year.

The Hornets face an uphill task avoiding the drop this season, with manager Malky Mackay facing up to life with an average squad and the possibility of managing a team which could very well drop down into League One for the first time in over ten years. That’s certainly something he won’t want on his managerial CV, so he’ll be giving it his all this season in a bid to propel the club up the table and far away from the bottom four. Mackay’s best efforts may not be enough to save Watford however, especially as they haven’t evenm bothered to explore the possibility of recruiting a Premiership star on loan like they’ve done in previous season, something which has proved hugely successful.

Despite Norwich being the ones who prevailed in League One last season, it is the Canaries which boast the superior squad and team. Even without Grant Holt, Norwich should prove too much for Watford, but for the Hornets it’s a game they will genuinely believe they can win, perhaps have to win considering winnable games are likely to be at a premium this season. I suppose Watford’s hunger and determination, as well as retaining some of the battling qualities which helped them fend off relegation last season with some important last-ditch victories, should even up the field a little.

However, it was indeed Watford’s away form last season which got them into relegation uncertainty in the first place, running out victors on just four occasions away from home last term when picking up a rather lousy 18 points from a possible 69. On the other hand, Norwich were immense at home last season and suffered just three league defeats during 2009/2010. Granted the opposition wasn’t up the standard they’ll be facing on a regular basis this season, but it’s vitally important you get your home form in tip=top shape right from the off and they’ll be in confident mood knowing that their record at Carrow Road last term was superb – 17-3-3.

Match Odds:

Norwich – 1.85 bWin
Draw – 3.60 VCbet
Watford – 5.00 VCbet

Our Prediction: Norwich City to WIN – 1.85 bWin

We’re a tad tentative with this selection purely as Norwich maybe without the prolific Grant Holt, and the fact Watford will be up for this fixture seeing as it could be one of those rare away occasions where three points aren’t exactly impossible to obtain. Nevertheless, with the quality Norwich have in their midst, in midfield especially where the opportunities are manufactured, and with Watford’s away record last season more than weak, the Canaries look a decent enough bet at odds of just over evens. Let’s hope Holt makes it back in time and isn’t a little jaded from his hefty road trip.