Premier League: Recent Norwich form provides mood for optimism

Chris Hughton's Norwich are on a good run at present

After a slow start to this season's campaign Norwich have steadily improved under the guidance of Chris Hughton, and it's their recent form that suggests they are very capable of avoiding the drop says Hannah Duncan...

After heavy defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Chelsea, few would have predicted the turnaround in form that Norwich City have enjoyed over the last few weeks.

Following their 4-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, Chris Hughton's side were entrenched in the relegation zone, having picked up just three points from their opening seven matches and sporting the worst goal difference in the division.

That was on Saturday October 6. One month on and the Canaries may not be quite 'flying high' just yet, but they're certainly starting to spread their wings, as they sit a more comfortable 14th in the Premier League, having more than trebled their points tally in a matter of weeks.

And they've not picked up points against relegation fodder either. A solo Grant Holt strike gave them an unexpected win over Arsenal and they used that as the springboard for an away draw with Aston Villa - which they probably should have won against 10 men - and a win over an ever-resilient Stoke side. Sandwiched in between, they also had the added bonus of knocking Tottenham out of the League Cup.

It could be the turnaround in form that saves their season and gives Hughton foundations on which to build come the January transfer window, although Norwich are still currently among the favourites for the drop at 2.466/4.

But Hughton remains characteristically pragmatic about the situation, acknowledging his side's shortcomings as well as their merits.

On the plus side, as Hughton points out, the Canaries have tightened up their defence, conceding just two league goals since the 5-2 demolition by Liverpool at the end of September.

But the concern remains in their attacking limitations. 1-0 wins still mean three points, but being too reliant upon their back-line holding firm is a dangerous game for any side and Hughton would certainly like to see his men become more ruthless in front of goal, having netted just eight times.

Only 16th placed Sunderland have scored fewer goals than Norwich this term, but the Canaries can look to rectify that this weekend against Reading who are still looking for their first league win.

Despite Reading's poor start to the season, Norwich are 3.55/2 outsiders to win at the Madjeski on Saturday, with the draw at 3.45n/a.

Certainly, going by recent form Norwich look the obvious winners, but while Reading have conceded just as many as their Norfolk counterparts, Brian McDermott's side are less shy in front of goal.

But whatever the outcome at the weekend, the Canaries' upturn in fortunes can only give Hughton and co. reason for optimism of a third successive term in England's top flight and with the odd January reinforcement, the second half of the season may be slightly more comfortable than the first.

Recommended Bet

Lay Norwich to be relegated @ 2.486/4