Despite the proximity of these teams in the current table, this is 15th v 14th, this is a case of a team in great form, looking organized and dangerous, against a team who are the complete opposite, and even though Norwich are heavily odds on here, I am almost surprised that they aren't shorter.
Preston are undergoing a disappearing act that would impress David Copperfield. From being well in contention for the play-offs, PNE are now in the bottom half, and there are even some fans beginning to panic about the potential of being dragged into the relegation battle.
Whilst that is perhaps a step too far, they are already on 49 points; the very fact that this is even being mentioned goes to show the current state of affairs at Deepdale.
Preston have only won once since 4th January, a 1-0 home win against Portsmouth. They have lost three in a row, all without creating any more than 1 xG in the process. They have conceded 2 xG or more in their last four, and, most concerningly, they were absolutely steamrollered by Coventry in midweek, 3-0 on the scoreline and 5 xG to 0.5 xG.
Meanwhile, Norwich won again at home at the weekend, 2-1 over Sheffield United, making that three wins in a row in the league, and 11 wins from 15 matches in all competitions since the turn of the year.
Phillipe Clement is averaging 1.5 goals per game with Norwich, and all underlying metrics spell out the same. The main improvement has come defensively, though, with the Canaries conceding less than a goal a game at Carrow Road since Clement took over.
This record should be more than enough to see off a lacklustre North End side.
