Norwich vs Stoke Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 4 January

Norwich City are set to face Stoke City in a Championship clash at Carrow Road on Sunday, 4 January. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the league table and secure a stronger position. Norwich, playing at home, will aim to make the most of their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over Stoke.

Stoke City, meanwhile, will be determined to challenge Norwich and pick up valuable points away from home. The Championship is renowned for its competitiveness, and this encounter at Carrow Road promises to be no exception. Both sides will be eager to showcase their strengths and make a significant impact on the league standings.

Norwich vs Stoke Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Norwich City to Win	2.1

Given Norwich City’s recent form and their historical dominance in this fixture, backing Norwich to win offers good value. The Canaries have demonstrated resilience and attacking capability despite injuries, while Stoke City’s inconsistent form and struggles away from home make them vulnerable.

• Norwich have won 8 of their last 19 meetings with Stoke, highlighting their historical advantage.
• Stoke City have managed only one win in their last five matches, indicating a dip in form.
• Norwich’s home advantage and greater squad depth give them a significant edge in this match-up.

Betting Odds

Norwich are stepping onto the pitch at Carrow Road as favourites, with betting odds reflecting their home advantage. Stoke, however, should not be underestimated, offering decent returns for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Norwich to win	2.2
Draw	3.39
Stoke to win	3.1

For those looking to place a wager, the match odds suggest a competitive encounter, with the draw also providing an intriguing option. The over 2.5 goals market is worth considering, as both teams have shown an ability to find the net.

Norwich Analysis & Recent Performance

Norwich have experienced mixed form of late, recording three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Their recent away victory at Queens Park Rangers (2-1) showcased their attacking ability, with Norwich registering 11 shots, 2 of which found the net, despite only 48% possession.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Queens Park Rangers	Norwich	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Norwich	Watford	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Norwich	Charlton	1 – 0 (Win)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Preston	Norwich	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Norwich	Southampton	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
On average, Norwich have scored 1.20 goals per match in their last five fixtures, conceding 0.80 goals per game. They have kept one clean sheet, underlining the need for improved defensive solidity. The team has a 60% win ratio at home, reflecting a decent level of performance at Carrow Road.

In attack, Jovon Makama stands out as the top scorer with 9 goals, playing a key role in Norwich’s offensive strategies. However, the defence has been less reliable over the season, conceding an average of 1.48 goals per game. With only 2 clean sheets in 25 matches, defensive improvements are essential for climbing the league table.

Despite currently sitting 22nd and enduring a challenging season, Norwich have shown they can compete, as evidenced by scoring in 20 of their 25 games. If they can tighten up defensively and maintain their scoring form, there is potential to turn their fortunes around.

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Norwich Suspensions & Injuries

Norwich are facing a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injury. Notably, Shane Duffy, a central figure in their defence, is sidelined with a muscle injury until late January 2026. His absence could weaken Norwich’s defensive stability, requiring a reshuffle at the back. Vladan Kovačević, the starting goalkeeper, will need to be at his best to compensate for this defensive gap.

In midfield, the absence of Jeffrey Schlupp and Amankwah Forson due to hamstring injuries until mid-January 2026 could disrupt Norwich’s creative and defensive balance. Schlupp’s experience and versatility will be missed, so the team will likely rely on Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson to step up in midfield and maintain cohesion and drive.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Gabe Forsyth	Knee injury	Late January 2026
Papa Diallo	Hip injury	Late January 2026
Ante Crnac	Cruciate ligament injury	Early July 2026
Jeffrey Schlupp	Hamstring injury	Mid January 2026
Mirko Topić	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Shane Duffy	Muscle injury	Late January 2026
Amankwah Forson	Hamstring injury	Mid January 2026

With Gabe Forsyth and Papa Diallo also out until late January 2026, Norwich’s squad depth is further tested. The tactical impact may see Philippe Clement adopt a more conservative approach to mitigate these losses. The absence of Ante Crnac and Mirko Topić, both suffering long-term cruciate ligament injuries, further limits the team’s options, particularly in maintaining an aggressive playstyle.

These injuries not only affect Norwich’s tactical setup but also have implications for betting markets, as a weakened squad may impact their performance and odds against Stoke. Bettors should consider Norwich’s depleted line-up when evaluating match outcomes.

Norwich Key Players

Jovon Makama, Norwich’s top scorer with 9 goals, is pivotal in leading the attack. His consistent ability to find the net is crucial for Norwich’s success, particularly against Stoke’s defence. Operating mainly as a central striker, Makama’s physical presence and intelligent positioning make him a constant threat in the box.

Supporting Makama up front, Josh Sargent’s versatility and work rate provide additional attacking options, often dropping back to link play. In midfield, Kenny McLean’s experience and passing range are essential for dictating the tempo and transitioning from defence to attack. Defensively, José Córdoba stands out with his strong tackling and aerial ability, vital for neutralising Stoke’s attacking threats.

Expected line-up for Norwich

• Goalkeeper: Vladan Kovačević
• Defenders: Kellen Fisher, Ruairi McConville, José Córdoba, Ben Chrisene
• Midfielders: Jacob Wright, Pelle Mattsson, Kenny McLean
• Forwards: Matej Jurásek, Oscar Schwartau, Josh Sargent

Norwich Tactics and Formation

Norwich Tactical Breakdown:

• Previous Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Josh Sargent
• Midfield Focus: Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson
• Defensive Strategy: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Approach: Emphasis on possession and exploiting wide spaces.

Norwich’s recent use of a 4-2-3-1 formation under manager Philippe Clement has enabled them to maintain a balanced approach between attack and defence. The midfield duo of Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson provides stability and creativity, facilitating transitions from defence to attack.

In attack, Josh Sargent leads the line, supported by a technically proficient midfield trio including Matej Jurásek and Oscar Schwartau. Their ability to control possession and exploit wide areas is crucial to breaking down opposition defences.

Defensively, Norwich have struggled to keep clean sheets, managing just one in their last five matches. The back four, featuring players like Kellen Fisher and José Córdoba, need to tighten up to reduce the average of 0.80 goals conceded per game. This will be key against a Stoke side known for their physical presence.

Stoke Analysis & Recent Performance

Stoke City have experienced a mixed run of results in their recent form, recording a win/loss/draw record of 2-2-1 in their last five matches. Notably, they secured a hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Hull in their most recent outing, marking a positive turnaround after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Hull	Stoke	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Stoke	Sheffield United	1 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Stoke	Preston	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Watford	Stoke	1 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Stoke	Swansea	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Stoke’s attacking output has been modest, averaging 0.80 goals per game in their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have shown some resilience, conceding an average of 0.80 goals per match and keeping 2 clean sheets. Their away form has been less convincing, with just 1 win in their last 5 away games, giving them a 20% away win ratio.

In terms of league standing, Stoke sit 9th in the Championship with 37 points, indicating a mid-table performance. Sorba Thomas stands out as their top scorer this season, having netted 8 goals so far. Despite their inconsistent form, Stoke’s ability to secure crucial points on the road remains an area for potential improvement.

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Stoke Suspensions & Injuries

Stoke are dealing with several notable absences ahead of their match against Norwich due to a combination of injuries and suspensions. The most significant suspension is that of Junior Tchamadeu, who will miss this match due to international duty. His absence leaves a gap in Stoke’s defensive options, potentially forcing coach Mark Robins to reorganise his backline to maintain stability against Norwich’s attack.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Junior Tchamadeu	International duty	1	Unknown

In terms of injuries, Stoke are missing key players including Lewis Baker and Aaron Cresswell, both sidelined until later in January. The absence of Baker, a crucial figure in midfield, may compel the team to rely on alternative playmakers such as Tomas Rigo to fill the creative void. With Robert Boženík also out with a dislocated shoulder, Stoke will miss his presence up front, likely turning to other attacking options to spearhead their offence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Lewis Baker	Ankle injury	Mid January 2026
Eric Junior Bocat	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Aaron Cresswell	Calf injury	Late January 2026
Robert Boženík	Dislocated shoulder	Late February 2026
Viktor Johansson	Shoulder injury	Mid February 2026

These unavailability issues could significantly impact Stoke’s tactical approach, potentially leading to a more conservative strategy to compensate for the missing personnel. The lack of depth in certain areas may influence betting markets, as the team could struggle to field their strongest side, affecting their chances against a full-strength Norwich team.

Stoke Key Players

Stoke’s attacking threat will be led by Sorba Thomas, the team’s top scorer with 8 goals this season. Thomas is a dynamic forward known for his sharp movement and ability to find space in opposition defences. His clinical finishing has been vital for Stoke’s attacking success, and his performance will be crucial against Norwich.

Supporting Thomas in attack, Lamine Cissé and Divin Mubama are expected to play significant roles. Cissé, with his pace and dribbling skills, can stretch defences and create opportunities, while Mubama’s strength and aerial ability make him a constant threat in the box. In midfield, Joon-Ho Bae is expected to orchestrate play with his vision and passing accuracy, providing the creative link between defence and attack. Defensively, Ben Wilmot stands out with his leadership and tackling prowess, key for maintaining Stoke’s defensive solidity.

Expected line-up for Stoke

• Goalkeeper: Tommy Simkin
• Defenders: Maksym Talovierov, Ashley Phillips, Ben Wilmot, Ben Gibson
• Midfielders: Bosun Lawal, Tomas Rigo, Joon-Ho Bae
• Forwards: Lamine Cissé, Sorba Thomas, Divin Mubama

Stoke Tactics and Formation

Stoke Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Robert Boženík
• Midfield Influence: Tomas Rigo and Bosun Lawal
• Defensive Organisation: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on structured defence and transitional play.

Stoke City, under Mark Robins, often utilise a 4-2-3-1 formation, offering a balance between attack and defence. The central midfield pairing of Tomas Rigo and Bosun Lawal is pivotal, providing both defensive cover and creative outlets to link play with the attack.

In defence, the backline consists of Maksym Talovierov, Ashley Phillips, Ben Wilmot, and Ben Gibson, who have collectively contributed to two clean sheets in their last five matches. This defensive setup is integral to Stoke’s strategy, focusing on solidity and organisation.

In attack, Robert Boženík leads the line, supported by the dynamic Sorba Thomas, Stoke’s top scorer with eight goals. The team’s offensive strategy often revolves around quick transitions and exploiting spaces left by opponents, with Thomas being a key figure in these plays.

Norwich vs Stoke Head-to-Head Record

Norwich and Stoke have met 29 times, with Norwich holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record, boasting 11 wins to Stoke’s 8, along with 10 draws. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at Stoke’s ground in the Championship, underlining how closely matched these teams are.

The last time Norwich hosted Stoke at Carrow Road, they claimed a 4-2 victory in February 2025, a match that showcased their attacking strength at home. Norwich have generally been strong at Carrow Road, which could be a decisive factor in this upcoming clash.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Stoke City	Norwich City	1 – 1	Championship	2025-09-27
Norwich City	Stoke City	4 – 2	Championship	2025-02-22
Stoke City	Norwich City	1 – 1	Championship	2024-10-19
Stoke City	Norwich City	0 – 3	Championship	2024-03-16
Norwich City	Stoke City	1 – 0	Championship	2023-09-16