* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
The equation is simple. If Norwich beat Bournemouth on Saturday night they are promoted back to the Premier League. However, the task at hand is far more complicated.
There were a lot of questions asked after Jason Tindall was given the boot down at The Vitality in February. Those dissenting voices grew louder after caretaker boss Jonathan Woodgate got off to a slow start and all automatic promotion hopes ebbed away.
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However, he and mentor Harry Redknapp have turned things around and The Cherries have now won five on the bounce heading into this one and are the form team in the playoff picture at the moment. Norwich need two points to secure promotion and if the out of form Swansea and Brentford both fail to win they’ll be up before they kick a ball this weekend.
Whatever happens in the early games, Daniel Farke’s dominant Canaries are unlikely to let off the gas and might even play better if the job’s done before kick off. With those ifs and buts ringing in your ears, here’s your three best bets for a big clash at the top of the Championship on Sunday.
Saturday 8pm: Norwich v Bournemouth
Sky Sports Football
Safe Bet: Both Teams to Score
While this safe bet is quite short it’s a must have in any Bet Builder you construct for this game or accas across the weekend. It’s the safest bet on offer here and the price reflects this fact.
Norwich have scored in the last 13 games while Bournemouth last fired a blank 13 matches ago. The only potential fly in the ointment is Norwich’s superb defensive record, but The Cherries’ attacking prowess has really come to the fore in the last few weeks.
They’ve scored 16 goals in their last six games, conceding six in the process. Norwich have racked up 14 in their last six, including seven in one game, shipping only three.
Norwich are fallible at the back – Preston, Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday have breached them in that run – and Bournemouth have the firepower to net at least once. You can bet the farm on Norwich scoring so Both Teams to Score has to be your safest bet in this game.
Value Play: Bournemouth to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
Talking of safe bets, Norwich to Win has been pretty much nailed-on for most of this season but Bournemouth’s form is put me off tipping that here. Instead, for your value play, we’re looking at The Cherries who, remember, have won five on the bounce.
Norwich’s blistering form has pushed their opponents’ price up and they fact they’re away helps us even more. As mentioned, I’m convinced there’s going to be goals here and there is no doubt the value lies with Bournemouth when both team’s prices are weighed up.
The Bournemouth Win is a juicy enough price but they’re going to have to score twice to win. Obviously you can’t discount Norwich winning here but it just feels like there could be some great value in Bournemouth to Win and Over 2.5 Goals.
Long Shot: Philip Billing to Score First
Philip Billing has not always been known for his goal-scoring exploits. However, the Denmark international has opened the scoring for Bournemouth in an incredible four of their last five Championship fixtures.
He’s clearly been a key part of their upturn in fortunes and is a man in the form of his life. Philip Billing to Score First is likely to be a double figure price and with a run like that he simply has to be our long-shot punt in this game.
Tips for Norwich v Bournemouth
Safe Bet: Both Teams To Score
Value Play: Bournemouth to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
Long Shot: Philip Billing to Score First
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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