By James Dow
Cardiff City will be looking to force their way back into the play-off places when they host Championship strugglers Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.
Erol Bulut’s side will be looking to keep their six-game unbeaten home record intact, whereas David Wagner will be looking for his team to give a big response after their 3-1 home defeat at the hands of 10-man Blackburn Rovers last Sunday.
Cardiff are currently seventh, one point behind Preston, but a win could see them go up as high as fourth depending on other results.
Norwich have fallen to 17th after a positive start to the season, but are on a four-game losing streak leaving them six points above the relegation places.
They have conceded 11 goals in their last four games which could benefit the Bluebirds playing a team who are low on confidence. Wagner has found himself under pressure the last few weeks and a defeat here could mean the end of his 11-month spell at the club.
Cardiff however will have to be organised defensively because Norwich do have the fourth best attacking record in the division which shows they do have the forward players to hurt Cardiff on the break.
Cardiff will be without Wales captain Aaron Ramsey who is still recovering from injury after sustaining a knee injury in September. They will also be without Republic of Ireland international Callum O’Dowda who sustained a groin injury during the October international break.
Norwich have a handful of players out with forwards Ashley Barnes and Josh Sargent both missing from the forward line.
The Canaries also have defensive problems with Ben Gibson out until the new year with a groin injury. Shane Duffy will also be unavailable due to picking up his fifth caution of the season resulting in him facing a one match ban.
The Bluebirds will have to be cautious of Norwich star Jonathan Rowe who this season has so far scored seven goals and set up one assist this season and having the ability to play on either wing means Perry Ng or Jamilu Collins could have a busy afternoon.
Ng however could also be a threat for Norwich with the fullback being the Bluebirds joint top goal scorer in the league this season with three goals tied with striker Ike Ugbo. Also, Welsh midfielder Rubin Colwill will hope to be given a chance from the start, after only playing 30 minutes from the bench in the draw with Stoke.
The Bluebirds will go into this match as favourites, however the Canaries do have enough fire power and quality in their squad to cause an upset down in South Wales.