Norwich vs Blackburn Prediction, Match Preview, 7 February

Norwich will face Blackburn in a Championship clash at Carrow Road on Saturday, 7 February. This match promises to be an intriguing encounter as both teams vie for crucial points in their pursuit of promotion. Norwich, playing at home, will look to make the most of their familiarity with Carrow Road to gain an edge over Blackburn.

Blackburn, meanwhile, will aim to upset the hosts and strengthen their position in the league standings. With both teams showing competitive form this season, this Championship fixture is expected to be closely contested. Fans can look forward to an engaging match as these two sides meet in what could prove to be a pivotal moment in their respective campaigns.

Norwich vs Blackburn Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Norwich City to Win	2.2

Given Norwich’s recent win over Blackburn and the visitors’ injury concerns, our recommended betting tip is to back Norwich to win. Norwich have home advantage and have shown they can score consistently, while Blackburn’s defensive issues could be their undoing.

• Norwich have scored in 73% of their matches this season, demonstrating strong attacking form.
• Blackburn have conceded an average of 1.2 goals in 30 matches, reflecting their defensive vulnerabilities.
• Norwich’s previous 2-0 win over Blackburn gives them a psychological advantage.

Betting Odds

Norwich enter this Championship clash at Carrow Road as favourites, with betting odds of 1.94 reflecting their strong home advantage. Blackburn, meanwhile, are priced at 3.79, suggesting an upset is not out of the question.

Betting Tip	Odds
Norwich to win	1.94
Draw	3.44
Blackburn to win	3.79

A draw is also an enticing option at 3.44, especially given the competitive nature of these encounters. Punters may find value in backing both teams to score, considering the attacking quality on display.

Norwich Analysis & Past Performance

Norwich’s recent form has been impressive, with four wins and just one defeat in their last five matches. The team has demonstrated potent attacking prowess, scoring a total of 14 goals—an average of 2.80 goals per game. However, their defensive record has been less solid, conceding an average of 0.80 goals per match in the same period.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Middlesbrough	Norwich	1 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Norwich	Coventry	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	26 Jan 2026
West Bromwich	Norwich	0 – 5 (Win)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
Wrexham	Norwich	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Norwich	Walsall	5 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
At Carrow Road, Norwich have been relatively strong, securing three victories from their last five home fixtures, equating to a 60% win ratio. Despite this, they have struggled defensively at home, conceding in each of these matches. Their overall clean sheet ratio stands at 20%, indicating room for improvement at the back.

In terms of league position, Norwich currently sit 19th in the Championship with 33 points. Their season has been inconsistent, with a win ratio of just 30% across 30 games, highlighting the challenges faced. Jovon Makama remains a key figure in attack, contributing significantly to their goal tally with 10 goals to his name.

Norwich’s dynamic attacking play has been a strength, but their tendency to concede, especially at home, remains a concern. The team’s ability to maintain attacking momentum while tightening up defensively will be crucial in their upcoming fixtures.

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Norwich Suspensions & Injuries

Norwich face significant challenges due to injuries, with several key players sidelined. The absence of Jeffrey Schlupp, who is dealing with a hamstring injury and expected to return in late February, could affect the team’s midfield dynamism. Schlupp is known for his versatility and experience, and his absence may force Norwich to rely more heavily on younger players such as Jacob Wright and Ali Ahmed, who featured in the last match.

Defensively, Norwich will miss Shane Duffy, who is out with a muscle injury until mid-February. His experience and leadership at the back are invaluable, and without him, the responsibility will fall on Ruairi McConville and Jose Cordoba to marshal the defence. Gabe Forsyth’s knee surgery also rules him out until mid-February, further reducing defensive options.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Gabe Forsyth	Knee surgery	Mid February 2026
Ante Crnac	Cruciate ligament injury	Early July 2026
Jeffrey Schlupp	Hamstring Injury	Late February 2026
Mirko Topic	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Shane Duffy	Muscle injury	Mid February 2026
Amankwah Forson	Hamstring Injury	About a week
Lucien Mahovo	Muscle injury	Mid February 2026
Pelle Mattsson	Ankle injury	Early March 2026

The absence of attacking options such as Amankwah Forson, although expected back in about a week, and the long-term injury of Ante Crnac until early July, means that Jovon Makama will shoulder much of the attacking responsibility. Pelle Mattsson’s ankle injury, keeping him out until early March, limits creative options in the final third.

Norwich’s tactical setup may need to adapt, potentially shifting to a more conservative style to compensate for the missing players. The betting markets may reflect these absences, potentially affecting Norwich’s odds as they look to maintain their position in the Championship.

Norwich Key Players

Norwich’s attacking threat is led by Jovon Makama, who is the team’s top scorer with 10 goals this season. His ability to find the net, combined with his physical presence in the box, makes him a constant danger to any defence. Makama’s partnership with Ali Ahmed and Papa Diallo in the forward line is expected to be particularly effective, providing a blend of speed, skill, and finishing that could be decisive against Blackburn.

In midfield, Kenny McLean acts as the team’s playmaker, orchestrating play with his vision and passing accuracy. His role in linking defence and attack is crucial, and his performance often dictates Norwich’s tempo and transitions. Defensively, Jose Cordoba stands out with his commanding presence and ability to read the game, providing solidity at the back. His leadership and aerial prowess are vital for Norwich’s defensive structure.

Expected lineup for Norwich

• Goalkeeper: Vladan Kovacevic
• Defenders: Kellen Fisher, Ruairi McConville, Jose Cordoba, Ben Chrisene
• Midfielders: Jacob Wright, Kenny McLean, Anis Ben Slimane
• Forwards: Papa Diallo, Ali Ahmed, Jovon Makama

Norwich Tactics and Formation

Norwich Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Jovon Makama
• Midfield Pivot: Kenny McLean and Jacob Wright
• Defensive Strength: Consistent defensive lineup, but only one clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and counterattacking play.

Norwich City, under Philippe Clement, typically employ a 4-5-1 formation, which emphasises a strong midfield presence. Kenny McLean and Jacob Wright are pivotal, tasked with both defensive coverage and initiating attacks. This setup allows flexibility in transitioning from defence to attack, with Anis Ben Slimane and Papa Diallo providing width and creativity.

Defensively, Norwich rely on a consistent backline featuring Kellen Fisher and Ben Chrisene as full-backs, supported by the central duo of Ruairi McConville and Jose Cordoba. Despite their organised structure, Norwich have managed just one clean sheet in their last five games, indicating room for improvement in defensive resilience.

Offensively, Norwich’s strategy often revolves around counterattacks, utilising the speed and positioning of Jovon Makama, their top scorer. His ability to exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defence is crucial for Norwich’s attacking success, especially when transitioning quickly from defence to attack.

Blackburn Analysis & Past Performance

Blackburn are currently enduring a difficult run of form, having secured just one victory in their last five matches. Their recent 1-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday was a rare highlight amid defeats to Hull and Swansea, and a draw against Watford. This inconsistency is reflected in their position, as they sit 21st in the Championship with 32 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Blackburn	Sheffield Wednesday	1 – 0 (Win)	Championship	3 Feb 2026
Blackburn	Hull	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Blackburn	Watford	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	24 Jan 2026
Swansea	Blackburn	3 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
Ipswich	Blackburn	3 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	17 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

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In attack, Blackburn have struggled, averaging just 0.60 goals per game over their last five outings, highlighting their difficulty in finding the net. Defensively, they have conceded 1.60 goals per match on average, underlining their vulnerability at the back. Notably, they have managed only one clean sheet in this period. Their away form is particularly concerning, with no wins in their last five away games, drawing two and losing three, indicating a winless streak away from home.

Blackburn Suspensions & Injuries

Blackburn face a difficult situation with several key players on the injury list. Augustus Kargbo, Scott Wharton, Sidnei Tavares, and Matty Litherland are all expected to return by mid to late February, but their absence against Norwich will be felt. The injuries to Kargbo and Tavares, both crucial in midfield roles, could hinder Blackburn’s ability to control the centre of the park, potentially leading to a more defensive setup.

The injury to Scott Wharton, a pivotal figure in defence, means Blackburn will likely have to rely on Hayden Carter and Sean McLoughlin to step up in his absence. This could result in a reshuffle in their defensive tactics, as Wharton’s leadership and experience are sorely missed. Additionally, Ryan Hedges’ long-term leg injury continues to limit Blackburn’s attacking options, putting pressure on Mathias Jorgensen to deliver up front.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Augustus Kargbo	Calf Injury	Mid-February 2026
Scott Wharton	Achilles tendon injury	Late February 2026
Sidnei Tavares	Knee injury	Mid-February 2026
Matty Litherland	Hamstring Injury	Mid-February 2026
Ryan Hedges	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Aynsley Pears	Wrist injury	Late February 2026

Aynsley Pears’ wrist injury sidelines him, leaving Balazs Toth as the primary goalkeeper. While Toth has shown competence, Pears’ absence could still impact Blackburn’s defensive stability, especially against Norwich’s potent attack. This series of injuries may compel Blackburn to adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on counter-attacks and set-pieces to exploit any defensive frailties in Norwich’s lineup.

With these unavailability issues, Blackburn’s squad depth will be tested. Betting markets may see Norwich as favourites, given Blackburn’s weakened lineup. However, the unpredictability of the Championship could still offer surprises, especially if Blackburn’s replacements rise to the occasion.

Blackburn Key Players

Blackburn’s main attacking threat is their top scorer, Andri Guðjohnsen, who has netted 7 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the opposition box make him a constant danger. Guðjohnsen’s prowess will be crucial as Blackburn look to unsettle Norwich’s defence. In midfield, Todd Cantwell stands out as a playmaker, orchestrating play and providing the creative spark needed to unlock defences. His vision and passing range are instrumental for Blackburn’s attacking transitions.

Defensively, Eiran Cashin and Sean McLoughlin form a strong partnership at the heart of Blackburn’s backline. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions will be key in stifling Norwich’s forwards. Balazs Toth, in goal, adds another layer of security with his shot-stopping abilities. The tactical impact of these key players lies in their ability to maintain solidity at the back while enabling swift counter-attacks.

Expected lineup for Blackburn

• Goalkeeper: Balazs Toth
• Defence: Ryan Alebiosu, Connor O’Riordan, Sean McLoughlin, Eiran Cashin
• Midfield: Adam Forshaw, Sondre Tronstad, Todd Cantwell
• Forward: Mathias Jorgensen, Ryoya Morishita, Yuki Ohashi

Blackburn Tactics and Formation

Blackburn Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Mathias Jorgensen
• Midfield Pivot: Sondre Tronstad and Moussa Baradji
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High defensive line with emphasis on wing play.

In recent matches, Blackburn have utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup allows them to maintain a strong presence in midfield with Sondre Tronstad and Moussa Baradji providing balance between defence and attack. Todd Cantwell, playing as an attacking midfielder, is pivotal in linking play between midfield and attack, often supporting forward Mathias Jorgensen.

Defensively, Blackburn rely on a high line, with Lewis Miller and Eiran Cashin operating as full-backs who are encouraged to join the attack. The central defensive pairing of Hayden Carter and Sean McLoughlin provides stability, although their clean sheet record suggests room for improvement.

Offensively, Blackburn’s strategy involves utilising the flanks with Dion De Neve and Ryoya Morishita as wingers, aiming to deliver crosses for Jorgensen. Their pressing game aims to disrupt the opposition’s build-up, though maintaining this intensity throughout the full 90 minutes remains a challenge.

Norwich vs Blackburn Head-to-Head Record

Norwich and Blackburn have faced each other 24 times, with Norwich winning 8, Blackburn 7, and 9 matches ending in a draw. The last encounter saw Norwich claim a 2-0 victory away at Ewood Park in the Championship, highlighting Norwich’s recent advantage in this fixture.

Their most recent meeting at Carrow Road ended in a 2-2 draw in August 2024. Norwich will be eager to improve their home form against Blackburn, especially after a 1-3 defeat in November 2023. Both teams have scored 35 goals in these fixtures, indicating a well-matched rivalry.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Blackburn Rovers	Norwich City	0 – 2	Championship	2025-08-30
Blackburn Rovers	Norwich City	1 – 1	Championship	2025-03-01
Norwich City	Blackburn Rovers	2 – 2	Championship	2024-08-17
Blackburn Rovers	Norwich City	1 – 1	Championship	2024-02-24
Norwich City	Blackburn Rovers	1 – 3	Championship	2023-11-05