Preview: Norwich City vs. Queens Park Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Canaries sit in 16th position in the table, QPR are down in 23th place, five points adrift of safety.

Match preview

David Wagner went into Norwich's game away at Cardiff City before the international break aware that a sixth defeat in seven may lead to his departure.

The Canaries had also lost nine times in 12 outings in all competitions ahead of travelling to the in-form Bluebirds, who have been hovering around the playoff spots.

However, two goals in the final eight minutes delivered a 3-2 victory for the away team, moving them up the table and to within six points of the playoffs.

While the result in South Wales only offers brief respite for Wagner, it is a step in the right direction ahead of encountering an easier schedule, on paper, over the next five games.

That said, Norwich have lost their most recent three fixtures at Carrow Road, conceding eight goals in the process.

Meanwhile, despite failing to end QPR's lengthy winless streak, Marti Cifuentes will be satisfied with the outcome of his opening two matches in charge.

A 1-1 draw away at relegation rivals Rotherham United was followed up by a goalless share of the spoils at home to Bristol City, also under a new manager.

Posting a shutout against the Robins was QPR's first in eight games, while they also earned just their second point at Loftus Road this season.

QPR have not conceded more than twice in any of their five most recent fixtures, but Cifuentes will not change around their fortunes until they find a solution in the final third.

Norwich City Championship form:

D

L

L

L

L

W

Queens Park Rangers Championship form:

L

L

L

L

D

D

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Team News

Norwich could start with close to an entirely different backline with Shane Duffy - back from a ban - in line to feature, with Jack Stacey and Dimitris Giannoulis beginning at full-back.

Adam Idah will also expect to start ahead of Hwang Ui-Jo down the centre of the attack after his winning goal versus Cardiff.

Although QPR are able to welcome back Ilias Chair after suspension, Paul Smyth is missing as he serves his own one-match ban.

Barring any fitness issues, the rest of the team could stay the same with Cifuentes keen to build some familiarity with his style of football.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Long; Stacey, Duffy, Batth, Giannoulis; Sara, McLean; Fassnacht, Nunez, Rowe; Idah

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:

Begovic; Kakay, Cook, Dunne, Paal; Dozzell, Field, Colback; Chair, Dykes, Willock

We say: Norwich City 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

QPR can only have benefitted from a couple of weeks extra with their new boss. Nevertheless, Norwich have the quality to put together a run of form now they have ended their dismal run, leading us to predict a hard-fought victory.

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