RELEGATED Norwich's fleeting one-season stay in the Premier League ends with a damage limitation job against the dethroned champions.
The early positivity and confidence of the Canaries has long since been whittled away and their fate was sealed with three games left when a 4-0 defeat to West Ham condemned Daniel Farke's side to the drop.
Last weekend's 2-0 home loss to Burnley made it nine successive defeats for Norwich and they now have to visit one of the toughest venues in the division.
Man City, having fallen well short in their tilt at a third straight title, are guaranteed a runners-up finish and are now turning their attention to next month's colossal Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid.
Having failed to add the FA Cup to their League Cup success – the recent 2-0 defeat at Arsenal put paid to City's hopes in the semi-finals – European glory would turn an average season into a superb one for Pep Guardiola's men.
They ought to get plenty of target practice against the doomed Canaries, with the Blues having won four in the spin in the league while scoring 16 goals along the way.
How do the bookies view it?
To say City are big favourites is something of an understatement. The hosts are a best 1-14 at Unibet to bag their 26th victory of the league campaign, while the draw is 16-1 at William Hill.
Norwich – who stunned Guardiola's side 3-2 at Carrow Road in September – are 40-1 at Boylesports to complete the double over them.
Betting angles
Finding value takes a bit of digging in such a mismatch. The game is David Silva's 309th and final Premier League appearance for City after 10 years and four titles.
The 34-year-old little Spanish genius is one of the best players to have graced English football and a scoring swansong would be a fitting way to finish. His team-mates will be keen to tee him up too and if City are awarded a penalty, surely the duty will be passed to Silva.
With the midfielder as short as 4-6 at bet365 to get on the scoresheet, the 7-4 offered by Sportingbet is not to be sniffed at.
Norwich have gone out with a bit of a whimper – scoring just once in nine defeats on the spin – and City can again keep them blank while easing to victory.
Back the hosts to win to nil and over five Man City corners in a bet365 Bet Builder that should deliver.
This English Premier League match between Manchester City and Norwich City will be played on Jul 26, 2020 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Norwich City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.