Norwich vs Southampton: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Norwich vs Southampton in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 12:30 GMT match.

• Fixture: Norwich vs Southampton
• Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025
• Kick-off: 12:30 GMT
• Venue: Carrow Road

Norwich will be looking to bounce back from an inconsistent run, particularly after drawing 1-1 against Sheffield Utd and losing 2-3 to Watford. With a predicted 4-2-3-1 formation, they'll rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Jovon Makama and Josh Sargent to break down Southampton's defence. The midfield pairing of Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson will look to provide service for the more forward players.

Southampton, on the other hand, have been on an excellent run, having won four out of their last five games, including a 3-2 victory over West Brom. Their 3-4-2-1 formation has been effective, with Finn Azaz and Adam Armstrong leading the charge up front. The Saints' defence, anchored by Nathan Wood and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, will need to be on top form to contain Norwich's attacking threats.

Match Prediction: Norwich 1-2 Southampton

Norwich have had a mixed bag of results recently, with their latest match ending in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Utd away from home. Prior to that, they suffered a 2-3 loss to Watford, which might have dented their confidence. However, a 3-1 home win against QPR shows they can be potent in attack when things click. Their form has been inconsistent, with two draws and two losses in their last five games, which could make them unpredictable but also potentially vulnerable.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Sheffield Utd (A)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Watford (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs QPR (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Oxford United (H)
• Loss: 1-4 vs Birmingham (A)

Southampton are in fine form, having secured four wins in their last five matches. Their most recent victory was a thrilling 3-2 win against West Brom at home, showcasing their ability to come out on top in tight contests. Before that, they beat Birmingham 3-1 and Leicester 3-0, both at home, demonstrating their strength on their own turf. The only blemish in their recent run was a 2-3 loss to Millwall away, but overall, their confidence should be sky-high heading into this match.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 3-2 vs West Brom (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs Birmingham (H)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Millwall (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Leicester (H)
• Win: 5-1 vs Charlton (A)

Norwich and Southampton have only played each twice in recent Championship matches, so the head-to-head record is a little scant. Those two matches both ended in draws. Their last meeting was a 1-1 stalemate at Norwich in January 2024, while the other encounter was a thrilling 4-4 draw at Southampton in August 2023. This suggests another close game is coming up.

Recent Championship Results

• Norwich 1-1 Southampton (01 Jan 2024)

• Southampton 4-4 Norwich (12 Aug 2023)

• Jack Stacey (Hamstring) – Out

• Mirko Topic (Knee) – Out

• Ante Crnac (Knee) – Out

• Pape Diallo (Hip) – Out

• Jeffrey Schlupp (Hamstring) – Doubt

• Liam Gibbs (Hamstring) – Doubt

• Lucien Mahovo (Hip) – Doubt

• José Córdoba (Hamstring) – Doubt

• Gabe Forsyth (Knee) - Doubt

• Mads Roerslev (Knee) – Out

• Shea Charles (Hamstring) – Out

• Ross Stewart (Hamstring) – Out

• Elias Jelert (Hip) – Doubt

• Damion Downs (Knock) – Doubt

• Samuel Edozie (Hamstring) – Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Kovačević (GK), Fisher (DF), Medić (DF), McConville (DF), Springett (DF), McLean (MF), Mattsson (MF), Makama (MF), Wright (MF), Schwartau (MF), Sargent (AT)

Norwich are expected to set up with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kovačević in goal and a back four of Fisher, McConville, Medić, and Springett. The midfield duo of McLean and Mattsson will provide stability, with Makama, Wright, and Schwartau supporting the lone striker Sargent, aiming to exploit any gaps in Southampton's defence.

• Predicted lineup: Bazunu (GK), Quarshie (DF), Harwood-Bellis (DF), Wood (DF), Fellows (MF), Downes (MF), Jander (MF), Manning (MF), Scienza (MF), Azaz (MF), Armstrong (AT)

Southampton will likely deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Bazunu between the posts and a back three of Harwood-Bellis, Quarshie, and Wood. The midfield quartet of Fellows, Downes, Jander, and Manning will provide both defensive solidity and attacking impetus, while Azaz and Scienza will support the lone striker Armstrong, looking to capitalise on any Norwich mistakes.

• Jovon Makama vs Nathan Wood: Jovon Makama's pace and finishing will be tested against Nathan Wood's defensive solidity.

• Kenny McLean vs Caspar Jander: Kenny McLean's experience and passing range will be crucial against Caspar Jander's energetic midfield play.

• Pelle Mattsson (Norwich): Pelle Mattsson's ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball effectively will be key for Norwich.

• Leo Scienza (Southampton): Leo Scienza's creativity and goal-scoring threat will be vital for Southampton's attacking play.

Norwich vs Southampton at 12:30 GMT on Saturday, 13 December 2025 is being broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Norwich 1-2 Southampton in this match

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