High-flying Hammers host clawless Canaries

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It is set to be a contrasting year for both West Ham United and Norwich City.

The former doubles down on Champions League efforts while the latter look destined for a return to the Championship, following a dismal first half of the season back in the big time.

The Hammers deservedly sit in fifth place following yet another fine season so far. A win for the hosts would catapult them into the Premier League top four, leapfrogging London rivals Arsenal.

West Ham remain unbeaten against the Canaries in nine home matches against them and have scored at least one goal in all of their Premier League matches this term.

David Moyes’ side will need to continue this record if they are to condemn Norwich to yet another defeat. The Scotsman has had success over the Norfolk-based team over the years, winning nine of his 14 meetings and losing just twice. 

Following his arrival, manager Dean Smith has struggled to turn the tide at Carrow Road, rock bottom of the Premier League with just two victories to their name.

Goals have proven a chronic issue this campaign for the visitors, ranking the lowest of the 20 teams with just eight goals. However, goalkeeper Tim Krul did collect his first clean sheet in six matches on Sunday against Charlton Athletic in their 1-0 FA Cup Third Round victory.  

Travelling Norwich supporters will be hoping their team can improve their goalscoring exploits on the road this year. Just three goals scored away from home so far this Premier League campaign leaves cause for concern, they have also averaged 2.56 goals conceded per away visit.

Team News

West Ham

Manager Moyes will be without defenders Kurt Zouma, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell for the visit of Norwich. 

Meanwhile, midfielder Said Benrahma, who has had an impressive season so far, is away with Algeria competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Norwich

COVID-19 continues to cause havoc in the Norwich ranks with players set to miss out on the trip to the capital because of isolation. 

Midfield duo Todd Cantwell and Billy Gilmour are doubts for the game with Mathias Normann and Christoph Zimmerman remaining unavailable. 

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