Bristol City vs Norwich predictions: Hosts can maintain Manning momentum
- Norwich have lost five of their last seven games
- Bristol City have won four of their last six home matches in the Championship
- Recommended bet: Bristol City to win
Liam Manning’s short reign at Bristol City has been solid so far, taking four points from three games.
A loss to high-flying Southampton last time out is nothing to be ashamed of and the Robins have had their sights lowered considerably as they take on Norwich, who have struggled recently.
The Canaries had a red-hot start to the campaign but have gone downhill lately, losing five of their last seven league matches, with pressure mounting on manager David Wagner as a result.
Team news
Bristol City will be without Rob Atkinson, Nahki Wells, Ayman Benarous, Andy King and Haydon Roberts for this match.
However the previously suspended Cameron Pring returns from a ban for the Robins.
Norwich have more injury concerns for this clash with Grant Hanley, Josh Sargent, Jacob Sorensen, Angus Gunn, Ben Gibson and Hwang Ui-Jo all likely to miss out, while Przemyslaw Placheta and Jonathan Rowe are also major doubts for this one.
The stats
Both teams have scored in 13 of Norwich's last 16 league away games.
Their leaky defence is a major reason why no team has had more Championship games with over 3.5 goals than Norwich have had this term.
They have struggled on the road too, as five of the Canaries' last seven Championship away matches have been defeats with both sides scoring.
Bristol City won this fixture 1-0 last season.
Prediction
Liam Manning’s style as an exciting young coach with a focus on attacking play is why Bristol City recruited him but sometimes managerial changes midseason can take time to come to fruition.
Manning seems to have been relatively successful at doing that, however, and his side have picked up a draw with QPR before beating Middlesbrough 3-2.
A narrow loss to Southampton is nothing to be too upset about and they can bounce back in this clash with Norwich.
The Canaries have the second-worst defensive record in the division, conceding 35 times in 18 games and that has been their downfall, particularly of late.
David Wagner’s men have only allowed fewer goals than strugglers Rotherham, who have played a game more and their leaky nature at the back is the reason for their slide down the table in recent weeks.
The visitors have lost five of their last seven games and face a Bristol City side that are solid on their own patch.
The hosts have won four of their last six home games and have only conceded 19 league goals so far this season, some 15 fewer than Norwich.
That difference in defensive strength could prove the important factor and it looks likely that Bristol City will be able to pick up their second win of Manning’s reign.
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