Norwich City play host to Watford on Monday knowing that victory will see them return to the Championship playoff places.

Although Watford remain in the top six in the standings ahead of the weekend's fixtures, the Hornets have suffered back-to-back defeats.

Match preview

With Dean Smith, as expected, being sacked before the turn of the year, Norwich supporters would have been craving an immediate change in fortunes when they hosted Reading on Friday evening.

Up until the final 10 minutes, it appeared that Adam Idah's first goal of the season was going to give the Canaries a much-needed win, but a late penalty from Andy Carroll earned the visitors a share of the spoils.

On the back of three defeats from four games, some Norwich fans would have been satisfied with a point, but their side now sit just two points ahead of 15th position.

While they are also only three points adrift of third spot, Norwich remain one of the promotion-chasing sides who are most out of form heading into January.

Another fixture at Carrow Road in quick succession would usually be deemed to be a positive but Norwich are without success in four games in East Anglia.

Slaven Bilic has only been Watford boss for a matter of 15 games, yet the Croatian will have concerns that his team's recent form could result in his departure over the coming weeks.

Although he has posted seven wins during that time, six defeats have also been recorded, two of which have come against Millwall and Swansea City without reply.

A first-half red card contributed to their 2-0 defeat to Millwall, but the Hornets were desperately poor during a 4-0 loss at Swansea City on Friday evening.

While Watford still remain in the playoffs and just two points adrift of third-placed Blackburn Rovers, they have now failed to score in five of their last seven fixtures.

Team News

Interim Norwich bosses Steve Weaver and Allan Russell must decide whether to hand Idah a second successive start after he made his first outing from the opening whistle in 2022-23 on Friday.

With the likes of Todd Cantwell on the sidelines, Onel Hernandez would likely be recalled on the left flank if a change is made.

Isaac Hayden will also be considered for a recall in midfield if Weaver and Russell wish to introduce fresh legs.

While Bilic will inevitably make changes to his Watford XI, their capitulation came after three substitutions were made versus Swansea.

Francisco Sierralta could be restored to the defence for the first time since November 5, while Vakoun Issouf Bayo will hope for a rare start in attack.

However, the likes of Hamza Choudhury and Joao Pedro remain out injured, and Hassane Kamara is suspended due to his sending off against Millwall.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, McCallum; Nunez, McLean, Sara; Sargent, Pukki, Hernandez

Watford possible starting lineup:
Bachmann; Sierralta, Troost-Ekong, Cathcart; Gaspar, Asprilla, Bacuna, Dele-Bashiru, Ngakia; Bayo, Sarr

We say: Norwich City 1-1 Watford

Such has been each club's recent form that no-one would be surprised to see another defeat for either team. However, we feel that they may err on the side of caution, resulting in a low-scoring draw.

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