Bold Predictions for Liverpool vs. Norwich

Following last weekend’s 2-1 loss at Manchester United, Liverpool return to Premier League action against Norwich City at Anfield on Saturday knowing they need a win to get back on track.

The Reds beat the Canaries 5-2 at Carrow Road earlier this season, but having dropped points at home to the same opposition during the 2011/12 campaign, they’ll be wary of the damage that Chris Hughton’s men can do.

However, Norwich have taken just one point from their last five Premier League games and represent a team that Liverpool should beat if they are serious about getting amongst the top few sides in the division.

Here are five bold predictions for Saturday afternoon. They won’t all come true, but even if only one does, Brendan Rodgers is sure to be happy.

Luis Suarez Will Score a Hat-Trick

Both of Luis Suarez’s Liverpool hat-tricks came against Norwich City, with the pair of trebles coming at Carrow Road at the end of last season and the beginning of this campaign.

Suarez was frustrated by the brilliance of goalkeeper John Ruddy during the 1-1 draw between the two at Anfield last season, but with the goalkeeper still on the injured list, the Uruguayan will be confident of reaching 20 goals for the season when he takes on the Canaries on Saturday afternoon.

Currently on 19 goals, Suarez will take his place at the head of Liverpool’s forward line and will provide a threat that Hughton will know his team will have to snuff out if they are to have any hope of getting a result.

After another week in the headlines, Suarez will be ready to shine.

Daniel Sturridge Will Shine from the Start

Just under an hour at Mansfield and a second half appearance at Manchester United have been all that Daniel Sturridge has been restricted to so far, and so the next step will be a Premier League start.

Two goals in two games have been a more than promising start to his Reds career, and Sturridge will make his Anfield bow in front of supporters who will be hugely keen to see their new star in action.

Sturridge will take his place in a Liverpool forward line that will be expected to deliver on Saturday afternoon, and if he can make it three goals in three games, then those same fans will certainly be happy with their new man.

Liverpool Will Hit the Goal Trail

The Reds have scored 12 goals in their last five Anfield league games, winning four of them and tasting victory by three goals or more in three of those matches.

The early season scoring problems have evaporated somewhat, and with Sturridge in goalscoring form alongside the goal machine that is Suarez, the Reds can hope to stay on the goal trail they seem to have found at home recently.

Norwich have conceded seven goals in their last three Premier League away games, and the Reds will be hoping to add to that total at Anfield.

Liverpool Will Keep a Clean Sheet

As well as finding the back of the net, the Reds have also been keeping things tight at the back at Anfield in recent months.

Six clean sheets in the last eight home league games have created a solid platform for the Reds to build on, and Rodgers will be hoping that his side can keep out Grant Holt and company as they bid to earn another win.

With Jose Enrique still injured, the defence is likely to bear close resemblance to the one that conceded two goals at Old Trafford. But with no Robin van Persie around this time, they will be hoping for a better result.

Fabio Borini Will Score His First Premier League Goal

Italian international Fabio Borini made a surprise return to the Liverpool fold in the loss at Manchester United. The forward will be hoping to kick on and stay injury-free for the remainder of the season.

Borini has yet to add to the solitary Liverpool goal he scored in the Europa League qualifying win over FC Gomel back in August, and the sooner he can find the net the better as he searches for an increase in confidence.

With Sturridge and Suarez around, he now has a couple of attacking players to spark off, and he’ll hope that fortune favours him this weekend.