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

Although Norwich are without success in their last five outings, just four points separate the two former Premier League clubs in the standings.

Match preview

The fact that Burnley can go 13 matches without suffering a defeat in a league such as the Championship and not sit at the top of the table is somewhat bizarre, yet Vincent Kompany will be more than content with their current standing.

Even though they had to come from two goals down to beat Sunderland by a 4-2 scoreline at the weekend, the Clarets are by far the most consistent side in the division, something which will eventually pay off if they continue on the same trajectory.

Burnley had previously gone 10 matches without conceding more than two goals in a fixture before shipping twice in the first half at the Stadium of Light, but Kompany at least got to see his team find a way to score four times in 37 second-half minutes, the second time in three outings where they have netted a quartet of strikes.

The goals continue to be shared around this squad with leading marksman Jay Rodriguez not getting on the scoresheet in the North-East, with the ever-present Josh Brownhill now having five goals and four assists from midfield.

With three home games falling in succession, Burnley have the chance to strengthen their position in the top three, although Kompany has witnessed his side draw more games at Turf Moor than record maximum points.

There was a time not so long ago when it appeared that Norwich could dominate this division, but the Canaries now look like a side devoid of belief to get another win on the board.

Dean Smith's team were two goals ahead after just 16 minutes at Sheffield United on Saturday, only for the Blades to net twice after the hour mark to earn a share of the spoils.

On the back of three defeats in succession, it may be viewed as a point gained in some quarters, but Norwich look increasingly vulnerable when it comes to dropping out of the top six.

Still just five points below top spot, Smith will not be panicking at this stage, yet there will be an acknowledgement that they can ill-afford to allow Burnley to generate any more momentum ahead of them.

On a positive note, Teemu Pukki ended a four-match wait for another goal with his double at Bramall Lane, taking him to six strikes for the season.

Burnley Championship form:

D

D

W

W

D

W

Norwich City Championship form:

W

D

L

L

L

D

Team News

Kompany is expected to make changes to his Burnley side with Benson Manuel and Rodriguez both in line to secure recalls to the side.

On the back of Anass Zaroury's stunning effort versus Sunderland, Nathan Tella may be the player to miss out, with Ashley Barnes also being dropped from the attack.

Norwich continue to be without Kenny McLean as the Scotland international serves the second of a three-game ban.

Liam Gibbs may be considered for a recall in central midfield, while left-back Dimitris Giannoulis will be assessed after suffering a knock on his second game back from injury.

Danel Sinani may return in the final third to replace either Josh Sargent or Todd Cantwell.

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Muric; Roberts, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor, Vitinho; Cullen, Brownhill; Zaroury, Gudmundsson, Manuel; Rodriguez

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Gunn; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Giannoulis; Ramsey, Hayden, Nunez; Sargent, Pukki, Sinani

We say: Burnley 2-1 Norwich City

Regardless of their contrasting form, this should still prove to be a competitive encounter given the quality which remains in Norwich's squad. However, we cannot back against a relentless Burnley side right now, who will expect to continue their remarkable run with another hard-fought win.

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