Norwich City and Hull City square off in the Championship on Saturday looking to each put together improved seasons during 2023-24.
The Canaries and Tigers finished in the bottom half of the standings at the end of the last campaign, having to settle for 13th and 15th spot respectively.
Match preview
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As pre-season favourites 12 months ago, Norwich had been expected to earn an immediate return to the Premier League, but it soon became apparent that the Canaries would not last the pace.
While there were positives that came from David Wagner's arrival in January, it was nowhere near enough to secure a playoff spot and Norwich eventually finished seven points short of the top six.
Some influential figures have departed this summer, including club legend Teemu Pukki, but a fresh start is exactly what this club needs in preparation of a tougher promotion race.
Jack Stacey, Shane Duffy and Ashley Barnes have the potential to be difference makers at both ends of the pitch, yet the real excitement comes from the recent acquisition of winger Christian Fassnacht.
Norwich fans also have reason for optimism after the club's pre-season campaign, with four wins and three draws being posted during a schedule that included games against the likes of AZ Alkmaar, Toulouse and Olympiacos.
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Although these clubs are of contrasting statures, Hull find themselves in a similar spot with Liam Rosenior, like his opposite number, preparing for his first full season with his respective team.
A 15th-placed finish and 14 points clear of the relegation zone was more than acceptable for the Tigers in 2022-23, but the owners are known to be targeting the Premier League.
Whether such a bid materialises remains to be seen, yet Hull fans can be excited about the additions of left-sided player Ruben Vinagre and forward Liam Delap.
Like Norwich, Hull have also come through pre-season without suffering a defeat, even with teams such as Galatasaray, Hatayspor and Nantes on their calendar.
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Team News
Barring any further injury issues, Wagner could look to name the same Norwich starting lineup from the victory over Olympiacos.
Borja Sainz will be sidelined for another couple of months with an ankle injury, with his place having recently been taken by Fassnacht.
Barnes looks likely to get the nod ahead of Adam Idah down the middle of the attack.
Rosenior may also be in favour of sticking with the Hull XI which begun the 1-1 draw with French side Nantes.
Jason Lokilo is an option to come into the side on the right-hand side of midfield, but Adama Traore appears likely to retain his place.
Aaron Connolly has just returned to the club from Brighton & Hove Albion, yet the Republic of Ireland international will start on the substitutes' bench at best.
Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, Giannoulis; McLean, Sara; Fassnacht, Sargent, Hernandez; Barnes
Hull City possible starting lineup:
Ingram; Christie, Greaves, Jones, Vinagre; Slater, Seri, Tufan; Traore, Delap, Vaughan
We say: Norwich City 2-1 Hull City
The rebuild at Norwich under Wagner means that expectations remain high at Carrow Road, but that is also the case at Hull. The visitors should give a good account of themselves on Saturday, yet we still feel that the Canaries will use their home territory to positive effect.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
