Norwich vs Southampton: Can Saints Fulfill McCarthy’s Promise?

Southampton goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy, told fans they will go to Norwich and take all 3 points after a disappointing defeat against Newcastle last week.

The Saints form has taken a little dip since being on fire earlier in the year but now they have a chance against an opponent they have already beaten to right the ship somewhat.

In the first matchup, the Saints won at home 2-1 thanks to a pair of first half goals from Ings and Bertrand. Pukki, the usual suspect for Norwich, was the goal scorer for them.

Can the Saints repeat the success they had earlier in the season? Let’s see how both teams could win this match.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 29: Danny Ings of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on February 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /

How Norwich Will Win

The Canaries, are currently fighting for survival at the very bottom of the table. With the season quickly coming to a close they need to start getting points every match they can. They will see that Southampton have lost some matches in recent weeks and look to emulate the teams that have found success against them.

I believe they will play very similarly to how Newcastle did as they have a very leaky defense and do not score many goals. They need to take advantage of mistakes at the back by Saints and also look to score on the counter.

If they are able to get a goal early they may be able to hold on for a 1-0 win or a 1-1 draw.

How Southampton Will Win

The Saints need to come out aggressive and looking to score as many goals as possible. This is not a match to sit around and grow into they need to set the tone early and not let Norwich have a moment to relax.

The key is if the Saints take the lead they need to not rest on their laurels and let Norwich have a chance to get back into the match. They need to get a second and a third and make sure the match is done and dusted.

Look for Danny Ings to bag a brace this match as he will want to get back into the goals and take advantage of one of the leakiest defenses in the league.

Predicted Lineups

Norwich: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Tim Krul

Defenders: Jamal Lewis, Grant Hanley, Ben Godfrey, Max Aarons

Defensive Midfielders: Kenny McLean, Alex Tettey

Attacking Midfielders: Todd Cantwell, Ondrej Duda, Emiliano Buendia

Striker: Teemu Pukki

Southampton: 4-2-2-2

Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy

Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Ryan Bertrand

Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Attacking Midfielders: Sofiane Boufal, Stuart Armstrong

Strikers: Danny Ings, Shane Long

Southampton 3-1 Norwich

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