Premier League predictions: City primed to destroy Norwich at the Etihad

Will Jack Grealish spring to life at the Etihad against Norwich? (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Manchester City vs Norwich
Etihad
3:00pm

When the voices of Joe Speith and Don Hutchinson go off on the big speakers wherever you’re watching from today, you know it’s the premier league’s famous Saturday goal rush, four simultaneous games but our pick will be that of the wounded champions against the relegation favorites.

Last time Norwich faced City, they shipped five although they were already relegated, but Manchester City wasn’t going to have any of that as they took out the frustration of the 3-2 defeat they suffered in the hands of Daniel Farke’s side earlier in the season.

It's actually special to see Daniel Farke again in the premier league, it’s heartwarming to see clubs staying loyal to a manager even through the agony of relegation and he has repaid the faith in full by bringing them back to the topflight in a jiffy.

Manchester City lost their opening day fixture at the Tottenham Stadium, without Harry Kane that City wants so badly, Spurs triumphed by containing City, limiting errors and ensuring maximum concentration, it was joy on debut for Nuno Espirito Santo, a great start to life in North London for him.

What will City do differently this time? They will definitely harass the new boys, they will heap pressure on their goal and it will take more than luck for Norwich to leave the Etihad alive, it will be a very long evening and should Kevin De Bruyne be fit for the encounter, you’ll have to pray for Carrow road boys.

How will City line up? They need a striker and Gabriel Jesus isn’t that man, Harry Kane is proving hard to sign from Spurs and Dusan Vlhaovic will drag till the final day from Fiorentina, record signing Jack Grealish will be available to start again, but will Mahrez and Sterling return alongside him?

There’s no Ilkay Gundogan, he suffered shoulder injury against Spurs and Phil Foden is still out injured, the rest of the squad should be available and ready to heap misery on Norwich.

Norwich will set up to enjoy themselves as usual, it will be a miracle for them to score against the champions but don’t put it past them, City aren’t assured yet and they can also be vulnerable especially when they push forward, if the opening goal doesn’t come on time, Norwich might exploit on the break.