Norwich City v Brighton: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Norwich City will be hoping to cause an FA Cup upset when they welcome Premier League outfit Brighton to Carrow Road for third-round action on Saturday.

The Canaries have reignited their Championship play-off push in recent weeks, collecting 10 points from the last 12 on offer, and they will be eager to keep the momentum going with a cup run. although they will have to do so without the suspended Borja Sainz

Brighton's European challenge has faltered over the last two months, as they are without a win since 23rd November, and they could be in for a difficult afternoon in Norfolk.

Norwich City v Brighton betting tips and predictions

Norwich to qualify - 5/2

It has been a topsy-turvy season for Norwich under manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, who has overseen nine wins, nine draws and eight defeats from 26 Championship matches which leaves his side 11th in the table, four points adrift of the play-offs.

The Canaries were struggling for form during mid-December, taking just one point from four games, but a run of three victories and a draw post-Christmas has provided a much-needed confidence boost.

Norwich appear to have found their mojo again and they will be confident of advancing to the FA Cup fourth round in this home tie as they have lost just twice at Carrow Road all season.

That form in Norfolk looks even better when you consider the away woes Brighton are experiencing, with the Seagulls failing to win any of their last four road assignments (L1 D3).

Fabian Hurzeler's side are without a win in their last eight fixtures, drawing six of those, and they are lacking that extra bit of quality to turn one point into three right now.

Brighton are still a dangerous side and can't be discredited from getting the win, but Norwich are back in the groove and look to have enough to qualify for the fourth round.

Onel Hernandez to score or assist - 12/5

Tweaks could be made to both starting XIs given the busy time over the recent festive period and one player who could benefit from this is Norwich winger Onel Hernandez, who has been limited to just two Championship starts this term.

The 31-year-old came on in the second half against Coventry City last time out, providing the assist for Amankwah Forson's winning goal in stoppage-time.

Hernandez also registered an assist in the 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers three matches ago, making it two assists from his last three appearances.

Although the Cuba international has yet to score this season, that hasn't stopped him from having a pop at goal and his shots count for the last three games reads two, three and one.

On offer at 12/5 to score or assist, Hernandez is hard to ignore and gets the nod for our second selection.

Carlos Baleba to be booked - 3/1

Both sides prefer attack over defence, with Norwich scoring 43 times in the Championship and Brighton 30 times in the Premier League, and this style of play can often put undue pressure on the midfield and defence.

One player who is often asked to do a lot of defending is Seagulls midfielder Carlos Baleba, who has picked up four yellow cards and one red this season.

The 21-year-old Cameroon international was cautioned two games ago in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa and it is quite telling that all but one of his bookings have come on the road.

Baleba was lucky not to be booked in the 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal, a contest he made three fouls in, so it would be no surprise to see him fall foul of the referee at Carrow Road.

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Norwich City v Brighton odds

Norwich City - 19/4
Draw - 3/1
Brighton - 4/7

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.