The opening weekend of the EPL has finally arrived, and after a two-month pause in play, the top league in the world resumes play with the reigning Champions League winners in action.
Liverpool vs. Norwich City
Anfield, Liverpool, England
8-9-2019 - 3:00 pm ET - 8:00 pm GMT
Liverpool set off on another campaign to capture their first top-flight title since 1990. The Reds once again fell short of their ultimate goal last season, coming in second place to eventual champions Manchester City, giving them added motivation on the new campaign.
Jurgen Klopp continues to cement his name in Liverpool lore, and now the charismatic manager has another challenge to conquer while at Anfield.
The Premiership Title Chase Begins On Friday
The hosts are undoubtedly hungry to lift the Premiership trophy, and with a visit from the Canaries on Friday night, picking up three points is mandatory.
The front-line trio of the potent Liverpool attack will be missing one key member with Sadio Mane just returning to the squad. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah will be present for duty, while Divok Origi is likely to occupy the opposite winger position, with the Belgium impressing during preseason play.
Team Prop
Liverpool - Team Total O2.5 -135 / 1.74 -Goals
The Reds are expected to field a strong squad around their main danger-men, with Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum the primary contributors in the midfield, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk help support an impressive back-line.
Liverpool enters the opening matchday on a 38 match unbeaten streak at home, and with a newly-promoted Norwich City side coming to town, Klopp's men are significant favorites to keep that feat alive.
Norwich City is busting to be back in the EPL for the first time since the 2015-2016 season. The Canaries topped a grueling Championship schedule, and now feel they are ready to retain their status in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke is another German manager entering England's top-flight league. The rookie headman managed to capture the Championship title in only his second season with the club, and now he has his eyes set on remaining in the EPL for an extended period.
The Canaries' Quest For Survival
The visitors understand their chances of surviving relegation will be a significant obstacle, but based on their style of play, and cohesive group, they should put up a valiant fight on a weekly basis.
Teemu Pukki is set to lead the line within Farke's 4-2-3-1 formation. The Finland international exploded in his first season with the Canaries, posting 29 goals in his debut campaign with the club, Pukki is a lethal finisher in front of goal.
Onel Hernández, Emiliano Buendía, and Emiliano Buendía are anxious to shine from the team's midfield positions. This trio is incredibly talented, and are the perfect blend to offer support for their gifted number-nine.
The German influence with the team is apparent. Based on the team's style of play expect an aggressive Canary squad, who will place pressure on the Liverpool back-line when pushing forward in attack.
Norwich City was the top-scoring club in the Championship last season, averaging two goals per match, they expect to hit the back of the net regardless of their opponent.
Liverpool vs. Norwich City - Match Prediction
Liverpool has enjoyed opening matchdays under Jurgen Klopp, with the Reds accumulating 11 goals over the past three seasons. There will be high expectations to put up a massive goal tally on Friday night, and with a wealth of attacking talent, they should post another gaudy number.
The Reds presence on the pitch is undeniable, pressing their opponents into submission, and then flooding the attacking half of the pitch with skillful trigger-men. Liverpool enters Friday's contest having scored at least two goals in nine straight EPL matches while averaging 3.5 goals over the past eight meetings with the Canaries.
Norwich City should offer substantial competition for the reigning European champs. The new boys were fearless during their Championship run, and with very few changes made within the squad, the team believes a more familiar group is the best chance at survival.
Anfield will be buzzing when their beloved Reds step onto their hallowed grounds. The hosts will want to put on a show for their adoring crowd, and I expect a barrage of chances on goal, with three-plus goals scored in the final score-line.
Liverpool vs. Norwich City - Betting Tips
O1.25 -120 / 1.83 - 1H Goals
O3.25 -115 / 1.83 - FT Goals
Odds Provided By BookMaker
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