admin“Crucial win”: Norwich City vs Oxford United predictions
The72’s writers offer their Norwich City vs Oxford United predictions ahead of the Championship clash on Tuesday.
Norwich City host Oxford United at Carrow Road in midweek as Philippe Clement looks for his first win as Canaries boss.
Norwich City spent nine days searching for a new boss after deciding to part ways with Liam Manning. He had only arrived in the summer, with the club paying compensation to bring him in from Championship rivals Bristol City.
However, a disastrous start that left the Canaries 23rd in the table with just two wins from 15 games made a change unavoidable. Philippe Clement has now come in and will be tasked with rescuing NCFC’s season.
Clement did not have the best start to life as Norwich City boss at the weekend. His side were beaten 4-1 away at Birmingham City with summer signing Mathias Kvistgaarden scoring NCFC’s only goal of the game.
Their opponents Oxford United are also enduring a difficult campaign. The U’s sit just above the relegation zone with 14 points from 16 games.
With clubs like Sheffield United and NCFC below them and expected to improve, it’s a concerning outlook for OUFC. Recent form offers little comfort too, with just one win in their last six matches.
Oxford United went into the break off the back of two straight defeats, away to West Brom and at home to high-flying Stoke City. They ended that losing streak with a 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough over the weekend.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“Norwich City know they need to improve and quickly under Clement. The Belgian has a massive job on his hands to turn things around, but there is quality in that NCFC squad for him to harness.
“Oxford United though need to improve quickly. In my opinion, they are in a lot of trouble this season with the sides around them all looking significantly stronger on paper.
“I do think Norwich City will get that crucial win in this one. The Canaries should have too much quality for Oxford United, and ultimately that will come through on the night.”
Prediction: Norwich City 2-1 Oxford United
James Ray
“That was a pretty ugly start to Philippe Clement’s Norwich City tenure on Saturday. It is probably going to take the boss a bit of time to impose his way on NCFC, so a quick turnaround like this is not ideal.
“Oxford United will see this as a good opportunity as a result. They’ve lost three of the last four on the road but they have shown they can grind their way to results, and against a home side completely shot for confidence, there will be opportunities.
“City have to be looking at this as a huge chance to get a win on the board. However, I think the visitors are good value for a point.
Prediction: Norwich City 0-0 Oxford United
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