What the experts say: Norwich City vs Newcastle

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Newcastle travel to Carrow Road to face Norwich on Saturday in front of what promises to be a passionate crowd for the newly promoted side’s Premier League home opener.

It is not an ideal first away game for Steve Bruce and his new look Magpies, but these are the types of game we must be taking points from this season.

The important thing for Newcastle will be to quieten an enthusiastic crowd early, and if they can do that, they will hear the backing of the sold out away end.

But games against Norwich – who are likely to be in a relegation scrap this season – will determine our season more than games against Arsenal, and it is important that we take points from them.

The pundits have had their say ahead of the game, and here is what they expect:

Mark Lawrenson – BBC Sport

Lawro picked out Norwich’s defensive ability as the main area for concern, claiming their “League One standard” defending is a “major worry”.

He added that Newcastle could have performed better in the attacking third against Arsenal, but although it is “going to take a bit of time” for Bruce to work out his best side but does not expect Newcastle to struggle this season.

Prediction: Norwich City 1-2 Newcastle

Charlie Nicholas – Sky Sports

Nicholas claims the game will be “a belter“, adding that danger man Teemu Pikku – whose goal at Liverpool will have been good for him – has great movement. He also adds that Norwich had nothing to lose at Anfield last week.

The former Arsenal forward picks out Miguel Almiron as Newcastle’s danger man at Norwich – and for the season ahead. He admits that Bruce is not as organised defensively as Rafa Benitez, but is very good at manipulating teams away from home.

Prediction: Norwich City 1-2 Newcastle

Lee Ryder – The Chronicle

Ryder says the Norwich trip will be a tough test for Newcastle against a side who will still be hurting from their heavy opening day defeat at Liverpool, but must be seen as a less daunting fixture than Arsenal last week.

He adds that while Tim Krul may feel he has a point to prove to the club that let him go, former Toon centre-back Grant Hanley’s struggles should be targeted as an area where gaps can be exposed.

Prediction: Away win for Newcastle

Robbie Savage – The Mirror

The former midfielder doesn’t think Newcastle will get a win on the road, but still expects them to win their first point of the season.

Predicted: Norwich City 1-1 Newcastle

Most people seem to expect Newcastle to get something at Carrow Road. Steve Bruce will be praying he returns to the North East with three points, as another defeat would really crank up the pressure on him.