Norwich City FC vs. West Bromwich Albion FC

Norwich City enters this Championship opener at Carrow Road as slight favorites, buoyed by home advantage and a dominant head-to-head record that includes a 5-0 league win and 3-1 FA Cup victory over West Brom earlier in 2026. Recent cup results show both sides in positive early form, with Norwich easing past MK Dons and West Brom defeating Rotherham, though the Baggies' strong start contrasts with Norwich's mixed pre-season. Key absences for the hosts, including Mirko Topic's long-term knee injury and several muscle concerns, limit squad depth and contribute to the tight implied probabilities around a home win versus a draw. West Brom's cleaner injury sheet supports their underdog positioning in a matchup where recent results and venue tilt trader consensus toward Norwich.