Norwich City and Hull City square off in the Championship on Tuesday evening looking for a win which will keep either club in the playoff hunt.
Just one position and one point separates the two teams, although 10th-placed Norwich have a game in hand on their opponents and some of the team above them in the standings.
Match preview
© Reuters
When David Wagner instigated two four-goal victories in his opening two Championship fixtures, the feeling was that Norwich were going to launch a sustained promotion bid.
Since then, however, the Canaries have suffered back-to-back defeats to Burnley and Bristol City without getting on the scoresheet.
Although Norwich remain within four points of sixth-placed Watford with a game in hand, all of the early momentum generated by Wagner has been lost.
A return to Carrow Road will not necessarily be viewed as a positive either with Norwich having not won at their home ground since October 29.
At a time when Norwich only possess the 17th-best home record in the division, their next opponents are proving to be one of the more capable teams on their travels.
© Reuters
While Hull only have five wins from 15 outings on away territory, they have only lost once on the road since October 9, a period spanning nine games.
That solitary setback came at second-placed Sheffield United on January 20, Liam Rosenior's side only losing 1-0, but they got back on track with a goalless draw at Stoke City at the weekend.
Such has been their recent improvements that a stalemate at the bet365 Stadium would have been deemed to be a negative scoreline, although the end result leaves Hull 12 points above the relegation zone.
With four wins coming from seven games, a promotion bid will be very truly on against the odds if they can defeat Norwich, with victory moving them into the top 10 ahead of their opponents.
Team News
© Reuters
Wagner will almost certainly make alterations to his Norwich XI with Onel Hernandez and Adam Idah both in contention for recalls in the final third.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn was at fault for Bristol City's winner at the weekend, but the stopper is expected to retain his place ahead of Tim Krul.
Arsenal loanee Marquinhos is expected to miss out again with what Norwich described at the weekend as a "minor strain".
Although Rosenior was satisfied with the display of Hull at Stoke, he will give consideration to introducing fresh legs.
Ryan Longman may come into the team ahead of Aaron Connolly, but Malcolm Ebiowei could have to stay patient for his first start since joining on loan from Crystal Palace.
Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Aarons, Omobamidele, Hanley, Giannoulis; Sara, McLean; Dowell, Sargent, Hernandez; Pukki
Hull City possible starting lineup:
Ingram; Christie, Jones, McLoughlin, Elder; Tufan, Docherty, Seri, Slater; Longman, Estupinan
We say: Norwich City 1-1 Hull City
Wagner is aware that he needs to quickly get Norwich back on track if they want to remain in contention for the playoffs. However, Rosenior's Hull side are generally putting in resolute performances on their travels, and we expect another point to be added to their total at Carrow Road.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
