Burnleyvs.Norwich

The Clarets' midweek goalless draw made it 28 league games without defeat, leaving them two points ahead of third-placed Sheffield United in the table.

Match preview

Last beaten in England's second tier at the start of November, Burnley extended their superb run without losing on Tuesday, when they were denied maximum points at Pride Park.

Scott Parker's side relinquished top spot in the Championship with a drab draw against in-form Derby County, following a game short of quality and only featuring three attempts on target.

Despite slipping to second place on goal difference, as a result of Leeds United's victory in Middlesbrough, the Clarets are still masters of their own destiny with five games remaining.

A point gained and another clean sheet were both welcomed by Parker, who is seeking the third promotion to the Premier League, having previously guided Fulham and Bournemouth to the promised land.

Still undefeated at home in the league this season, with 11 wins and nine draws so far, his Burnley side now return to their stronghold.

After Norwich City lost December's reverse fixture 2-1 at Carrow Road, they have suffered three straight defeats to Friday's hosts since the pair were last in the top flight together, back in 2022.

While Burnley are clean-sheet specialists, the Canaries had kept just one in 10 games - and conceded seven goals in their past four - before grinding out a 0-0 draw with high-flying Sunderland earlier this week.

Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup later suggested his team had done enough to earn three points, but they ultimately had to settle for one, leaving them 11th in the standings and with almost no hope of making the playoffs.

Just a single win from seven league matches has left the East Anglian club needing a minor miracle to return to the Premier League for next season.

Five teams and seven points separate Norwich from a top-six place as things stand - and time is running out - so only victory will do at Turf Moor.

Burnley Championship form:

W

D

W

W

W

D

Norwich City Championship form:

D

L

L

W

L

D

Team News

Having sustained a shoulder injury just six minutes after appearing as a substitute against Derby, Burnley striker Lyle Foster is set to miss Friday's game.

He joins Jonjo Shelvey and long-term absentees Mike Tresor and Jordan Beyer on the sidelines, so Zian Flemming should start up front.

Meanwhile, Norwich City may recall Onel Hernandez, who was left out of their squad for Tuesday's match in unusual circumstances: the Cuban forward liked several social media posts that were critical of the club and his coach.

Ante Crnac is set to miss out again, due to an ankle injury suffered against Plymouth Argyle last weekend. Defenders Ben Chrisene and Gabriel Forsyth are also unavailable, along with winger Lewis Dobbin.

Up front, top scorer Borja Sainz should support American striker Josh Sargent, who has netted both of City's last two goals.

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Trafford; Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Pires; Edwards, Cullen, Laurent, Anthony; Brownhill; Flemming

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Cordoba, Fisher; Wright, McLean; Schwartau, Marcondes, Sainz; Sargent

We say: Burnley 1-0 Norwich City

A combination of Burnley's brilliant home record and Norwich's recent downturn should see the Clarets pick up three precious points.

Written by

Jonathan O'Shea

Previews by email