We check on new arrivals at Norwich City and the Canaries' projected Championship finish in 2022/23 before arriving at a recommended bet for the season.
What happened last year?
It was an utterly abysmal season for the Canaries, who finished rock bottom of the Premier League and lived up to their reputation as a yo-yo club. It’s hardly surprising considering no side conceded more goals or scored fewer goals than the Norfolk-based outfit.
They secured just one victory across their last 16 Premier League matches last season which makes you think they’ve been preparing for life in the Championship for quite some time.
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Key signings?
Isaac Hayden
Dean Smith’s side have been relatively quiet so far during the transfer window and have only brought one fresh face in thus far. However, that man is Isaac Hayden who has been allowed to leave Newcastle United on loan. He’ll be plying his trade at Carrow Road for the upcoming season and he can be a key figure in the heart of their midfield.
Norwich City lacked any real bite in the midfield last season and the arrival of Hayden, a player who loves the defensive side of the game, can only be a good thing. It’s a good move and should he meet particular targets, the Canaries will be obligated to sign him on a permanent basis.
And who’s out?
Özan Kabak
The centre half has left Carrow Road after his loan deal expired and he has now returned to Germany with Schalke. He didn’t exactly exude confidence and his presence did little to calm a shaky defence that ultimately conceded the most goals in the Premier League last season. It would be a huge surprise if we saw him don the yellow and green kit in the future.
Who is their star man?
Teemu Pukki
The 32 year old netted 11 times last season in the Premier League - nearly 50% of Norwich City’s total and it goes to show just how vital he is to their front line. The man from Finland is absolutely lethal in the Championship too; in fact, across his previous two seasons in the English second tier, he’s netted a total of 55 goals in 84 appearances.
Norwich City will of course be disappointed that they’ve fallen from the top flight, but if Pukki can once again get amongst the goals this season, an instant return to the Premier League could be on the horizon. The Finn is a best price 5/1 to finish the season as the Championship top goalscorer.
What can we expect from them in 2022/23?
If they can add a few more defensive minded players that improve their starting 11, then a title-winning campaign wouldn’t be beyond reach (best price 6/1).
With Tim Krul between the sticks, Grant Hanley at the heart of the defence, Hayden in the midfield and Pukki up top, they have one of the strongest spines in the Championship and that should see them dominate the majority of their league fixtures. Anything but automatic promotion would surely mean a disappointing campaign for Dean Smith’s outfit.
Where do the odds project them to finish?
At odds of 6/1, Norwich City are the early frontrunners for the next edition of this competition and, as it stands, the odds would suggest they will be promoted as champions.
Any recommended bets?
Anything but a top two finish will be a disappointment and so the best odds of 2/1 (11/8 in places) on Norwich City to simply achieve promotion makes appeal.
