The two Premier League matches on Sunday don’t instantly stand out as ‘must-see’ games but, even at this early stage of the campaign, they could be crucial for the clubs involved. Norwich and West Brom are still seeking their first wins of the season, while Fulham and Blackburn have just one point between them…..who will prevail?
Norwich v West Brom (1.30pm)
Norwich have impressed many onlookers with their performances in the opening three games, but they could do with a win to further bolster confidence (Norwich 8/5, Draw 9/4, West Brom 15/8 – Match Betting).
The Canaries looked like securing three points in their first home match, but a late Stoke equaliser denied Paul Lambert’s men and the longer they go without a home win, the more anxious the Norwich fans will get.
This fixture is likely to have been targeted by Lambert as a game they should be looking to win, but they face a Baggies side who have performed better than results suggest.
The fixture list was unkind to Roy Hodgson’s men, who started with back-to-back games against Manchester United and Chelsea. They should have got something from those games, but a disappointing late home defeat to Stoke has left West Brom pointless and in the bottom three.
The return to fitness of Peter Odemwingie (6/1 First Goalscorer) will be a major plus for the visitors and the Nigerian looks likely to form a good partnership with Shane Long, who has already got two goals to his name this season.
This looks a tough one to call on paper and there may be a thought that this is a game that neither team will want to lose, rather than a game they need to win.
Suggested Bet – Draw @ 9/4
Fulham v Blackburn (4pm)
The pressure is mounting on Steve Kean and Craven Cottage is not normally a place you want to go if you are desperately seeking a victory (Fulham 8/11, Draw 5/2, Blackburn 9/2 – Match Betting).
Rovers have made their worst start since 1947-48, when they were relegated, and many pundits are predicting a season of struggle for Blackburn. Even lady luck seems to have deserted Kean’s men, who missed two penalties against Everton last time out and conceded a late spot-kick to lose a third game on the bounce.
The omens don’t look good either for Blackburn, who have been beaten on their last two trips to Craven Cottage, conceding a total of six goals.
Fulham though are hardly pulling up tress, with just one point from their opening three matches with the Cottagers hit hard by injuries. Simon Davies is a long-term absentee, while Bobby Zamora (11/8 to score at anytime) has also had a spell on the sidelines.
The deadline day capture of Brian Ruiz though looks an excellent addition to Martin Jol’s ranks and Fulham should be moving up the table soon. The home side look too strong for a Blackburn squad lacking in confidence and are likely to seal their opening success of the season.
Suggested Bet – Fulham to win @ 8/11
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Fulham are 15/2 to be relegated from the Premier League next season but they should be nowhere near the drop zone as they close in on a deal for Martin Jol.