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

The Sky Blues were defeated by National League side Wrexham, while Norwich lost at home to Blackburn Rovers, meaning all focus is now on league matters for these two clubs.

Match preview

Coventry are currently enduring their worst run of form this season after a 1-0 defeat at league leaders Burnley last weekend extended their winless streak to five matches in all competitions.

It must be said that two of the four Championship matches in that run have been against the division's top two outfits, but there is no such excuse for the embarrassing 4-3 loss to Wrexham in the third round of the FA Cup.

A much-changed Coventry side struggled to contain their fifth-tier counterparts, and although first-team regulars such as Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer came off the bench, Mark Robins's men were unable to book their place in the fourth-round draw.

The Sky Blues have won just one of their seven Championship matches since returning from the month-long World Cup break - although that victory was a notable one, with Gyokeres's late penalty condemning Carlos Corberan to his only loss as West Bromwich Albion manager so far.

The current winless streak and the form of others has seen Robins's men drift to six points behind the playoffs, with the Sky Blues now sitting 15th in the league standings - although a win on Saturday could move Coventry as high as 10th.

Norwich recorded their biggest win of the campaign and their first under the stewardship of David Wagner last weekend as they hammered Preston North End 4-0 at Deepdale.

Teemu Pukki and Kieran Dowell both scored twice in Lancashire to ensure a convincing victory, one that will have improved the mood in East Anglia after a tricky start to the season under Dean Smith.

Winning the title in their last two seasons in the Championship, the Canaries were aiming to be challenging again at the very summit of the division, but they now face a real battle to earn a playoff place in an extremely competitive second tier.

Wagner was the man to guide Huddersfield Town to the Premier League during his three-year stint in Yorkshire, but at Carrow Road, he has a fanbase to contend with that will be demanding their side achieve promotion this season.

With second-placed Sheffield United 13 points ahead of Norwich heading into this weekend's round of fixtures, Wagner's side need to string a significant number of wins together to give themselves any hope of joining the Blades and league leaders Burnley in a top-two race.

Coventry City Championship form:

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Coventry City form (all competitions):

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Norwich City Championship form:

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Norwich City form (all competitions):

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Team News

Coventry defender Jonathan Panzo is available for selection after serving his one-match suspension for a red card picked up against Wrexham, meaning Robins is likely to revert to a back three against Norwich, with Callum Doyle and Michael Rose partnering Panzo in the heart of the Sky Blues' backline.

Josh Wilson-Esbrand is a doubt after a knock to his knee over the past week, meaning Jake Bidwell should start in a wing-back role for the visit of Wagner's Canaries.

Matty Gooden (ankle) and Tyler Walker (ligament) are long-term absentees and continue their rehabilitation programmes, with Sweden's Gyokeres the only senior striker available for Robins to select.

Norwich attacker Todd Cantwell looks set for a move to Scottish giants Rangers this January and will be omitted from the travelling squad on Saturday afternoon.

Finnish striker Pukki bagged a brace at Preston last weekend, but Wagner has been quick to reassure his other attackers that the 32-year-old's spot in the XI is not untouchable, with Adam Idah pushing for a start on Saturday.

The Canaries will be without midfield duo Aaron Ramsey and Isaac Hayden for the trip to the East Midlands, with Kenny McLean and Gabriel Sara the obvious pair to start in the middle of the park for the visitors.

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Wilson; Rose, Doyle, Panzo; Dabo, Hamer, Sheaf, Bidwell, Palmer, Allen; Gyokeres

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Krul; Aarons, Omobamidele, Hanley, Giannoulis; McLean, Sara, Sargent; Dowell, Hernandez, Pukki

We say: Coventry City 1-3 Norwich City

Coventry are down to bare bones in terms of squad depth due to injuries, and that reality is showing as the Sky Blues slide down the Championship table.

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