Preview: Bristol City vs. Norwich City - prediction, team news, lineups

That is despite seven positions separating the two clubs, with Norwich currently sitting just two points adrift of the playoff places.

Match preview

Such has been the impact of David Wagner at Norwich over the past few weeks that many of their supporters, previously pessimistic about their team, would have felt that they were capable of beating runaway leaders Burnley.

However, that proved to be false hope as the Clarets breezed to a 3-0 success at Carrow Road, making it clear that there remains vast differences in quality between the two sides.

For Wagner, it may have been a wake-up call having previously witnessed his new team score four times at each of Preston North End and Coventry City.

The East Anglian giants are now back down to 10th spot, two points adrift of the playoffs, and the pressure is on to get back on track with many teams lurking behind them.

Norwich now sit just seven points above 18th position, highlighting the amount of teams that are still capable of challenging for promotion.

Opponents Bristol City fall into that category after emerging as one of the form teams in the division in recent weeks, putting together a five-match unbeaten streak in the Championship.

In total, Nigel Pearson's team have not tasted defeat in any competition since losing 2-0 to West Bromwicuh Albion on Boxing Day, a result which was put right just over a month later as the Robins thrashed the Baggies in the FA Cup.

Last time out, Bristol City recorded a 2-1 triumph at Preston North End to move eight points clear of the relegation zone, the same difference coming between Pearson's side and the top six.

Rather than feeling like they are at a crossroads in their season, Bristol City may settle on just taking one game at a time, aware that they have become a team which few clubs want to play while they are on their best run of results since the opening weeks of the season.

Bristol City Championship form:

L

D

D

W

D

W

Bristol City form (all competitions):

D

W

W

D

W

W

Norwich City Championship form:

L

D

L

W

W

L

Norwich City form (all competitions):

D

L

L

W

W

L

Team News

With Kal Naismith carrying a calf issue, Joe Williams may be handed an opportunity in the Bristol City midfield.

Despite Andreas Weimann being fit again and Tommy Conway pushing for a return, the duo will likely only start among the replacements at best.

The same could apply to Tomas Kalas, even though the defender came through a welcome 22 minutes versus Preston.

Wagner must decide whether to hand a first start to Marquinhos, the Arsenal loanee remaining as an unused substitute in the Burnley game.

Recalls for Marcelino Nunez and Adam Idah appear more likely, however, with Onel Hernandez and Josh Sargent potentially making way.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Atkinson, Pring; James, Williams; Sykes, Scott, Bell; Wells

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Krul; Aarons, Omobamidele, Hanley, Giannoulis; Dowell, McLean, Nunez; Sara; Pukki, Idah

We say: Bristol City 1-1 Norwich City

Earlier in this season, this may have been regarded as an away banker, but times have changed. Although Norwich have shown promise under Wagner, they are facing a team playing with confidence, and we expect a competitive draw to occur at Ashton Gate.

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