Premier League: Basement team Newcastle need home win at Norwich

Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | October 17, 2015

Newcastle United v Norwich City

Premier League
Sunday, October 18th
Kick-off: 16:00 BST
St James’ Park, Newcastle
Live on Sky Sports 1

McClaren desperately chases first Toon win of PL season

After losing five of their first eight matches this term, winless Newcastle, who currently sit at the foot of the table, desperately need to beat newly-promoted Norwich to kick-start their campaign.

With a record of being undefeated against the Canaries in their last five meetings, the Magpies are the slight 8/5 favourites with Coral for victory, which would be the first of the Premier League season.

A 2-1 result, as has been the scoreline between the two teams in five of the last 13 meetings, meanwhile, is a more tempting 12/1 price in Newcastle’s favour.

Can Newcastle cope after Krul blow?

McClaren’s men will have to make do without their custodian Tim Krul, however, as the Netherlands keeper was ruled out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury on international duty. Rob Elliot is the man likely to start in net, so the hosts are 18/5 to win and both teams score.

In terms of goals for the hosts, not many have found the net this season, but Krul’s compatriots Georginio Wijnaldum and Daryl Janmaat have two apiece and are respective 5/1 and 6/1 chances in the anytime scorer market.