Sky Sports pundit provides Burnley vs Norwich City score prediction, one side to ‘bounce back’

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Burnley can reclaim top spot of the Championship before Leeds United and Sheffield United play, with the Clarets hosting Norwich City at Turf Moor on Friday night.

The Clarets’ midweek goalless draw to Derby County made it 28 league games without defeat, while Norwich City also played out a 0-0 against Sunderland to all but end their faint play-off hopes.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	41	24	13	4	80	28	52	85
2	BurnleyBurnley	41	23	16	2	55	12	43	85
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	41	26	7	8	56	31	25	83
4	SunderlandSunderland	41	21	13	7	57	37	20	76
5	Bristol CityBristol City	41	16	15	10	53	44	9	63
6	CoventryCoventry	41	18	8	15	58	53	5	62

Scott Parker’s side relinquished top spot in the Championship table, but they can take it back for at least half a day before Leeds United face Preston North End at Elland Road.

The man in the dugout is seeking a third promotion to the Premier League, having previously guided Fulham and AFC Bournemouth there, whereas Johannes Hoff Thorup is eyeing a positive end to the campaign ahead of building again 2025/26.

• READ MORE: Sky Sports pundit outlines wish he is ‘dying for’ regarding Sheffield United, Leeds United, and Burnley

Sam Parkin predicts the outcome of Burnley against Norwich City

Burnley’s run-in appears to be difficult but experts believe they are in their best season form heading into Friday, and against an opponent they have got the better of lately, too.

After Norwich lost December’s reverse fixture 2-1 at Carrow Road, they have suffered three straight defeats to their hosts. Burnley have won their last three league games against Norwich, and last won four in succession against the Canaries between 2006 and 2007.

The omens are not positive for Thorup and co. currently. Since defeating Derby 3-2 in September, Norwich have won just two of their last 16 away league games. EFL pundit and Sky Sports co-commentator Sam Parkin spoke to Benjamin Bloom to provide his verdict.

Bloom said: “Sam, the miserly, unbeaten, clean sheet specialists are up first. It’s Burnley vs Norwich.”

Parkin said: “0-0 for them in the week; a test for them at Derby, wasn’t it? I think Derby did well.”

Bloom said: “How did neither of us get that?”

Parkin responded: “I know. Did well in that game. I am going to go for Burnley to bounce back.

“I am going to go for Norwich to score through Sargent. 2-1 Burnley.”

Bloom added: “So, I quite like that. But you’re leaving me with a clean sheet win, aren’t you?

“I know Sargent is great and [Borja] Sainz is great, but I’ll take the 2-0.

“Scrub the goal off there, which will be clean sheet number 30.

“That is a record that ain’t ever getting broken. I will go 2-0.”

It’s a a game Burnley can’t come unstuck in these games and must find a way to get over the line, with many backing the January signing of Marcus Edwards to fire them to promotion.

• READ MORE: Championship title race set for surprising outcome as supercomputer decides between Burnley, Leeds, and Sheffield United

Josh Sargent will win the Championship Golden Boot

Josh Sargent is among the best Championship players in 2024/25, even if West Brom and Sunderland fans disagree and prefer Wilson Isidor and Josh Maja as players.

Pundits are backing Sargent to win the Championship Golden Boot before the end of the season, despite being further back than some of the competition.

An EFL Analysis exclusive outlined that Sargent’s departure could be a reality soon for Norwich. However, he could be key for Norwich in this game and before the season ends.

If they are to have any hope of salvaging their season, it has to start on Friday with a win. They will need Sargent and Borja Sainz to hit form at the right time and win at Turf Moor, where Burnley are unbeaten.