Championship leaders Norwich City take a break from league action on Saturday afternoon with an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Barnsley.

While the Canaries sit seven points clear at the top of the second-tier standings, the Tykes have dropped down to 11th position after three successive defeats.

Match preview

Having established a sizeable lead over the chasing pack, Norwich boss Daniel Farke may have preferred to continue with his side's Championship fixtures at this stage of the season.

Nevertheless, the Canaries can take the opportunity to watch some of their promotion rivals try to close the gap while they focus their attention on making progress in the FA Cup.

Despite a desire to extend the club's winning streak in all competitions to five matches, Farke will almost certainly take the chance to rotate his squad, aware that fringe players could have a part to play during the closing months of the season.

After scoring against Coventry City in the previous round, Jordan Hugill has proven invaluable in attack, leading the line to good effect at Cardiff City and netting a double against Bristol City in midweek.

While he may lose his place once Teemu Pukku has regained full fitness, Hugill has reinforced to Farke that Norwich's strength in depth can be the difference between automatic promotion and the playoffs.

Opponents Barnsley had seemingly been on their way to challenging for a spot in the top six after performing consistently well since the arrival of Valerien Ismael.

However, three defeats in a row, all to clubs who currently sit in the top four, have left the Yorkshire outfit back down in the mid-table positions.

Despite their recent disappointments, Ismael will be confident of lifting a group of players that have arguably over-achieved since he took his place in the dugout at the end of October.

Ismael could take the opportunity to hand a full debut to recent signing Carlton Morris, who came through the Norwich academy setup to make one outing in the first team during 2014-15.

Barnsley FA Cup form: W
Barnsley form (all competitions): WWLWLL

Norwich City FA Cup form: W
Norwich City form (all competitions): LDWWWW

Team News

Morris is one of a number of players who are in line to feature if Ismael introduces fresh legs to his Barnsley side.

Herbie Kane and Dominik Frieser may feature in midfield and attack respectively, with goalkeeper Brad Collins getting a run-out between the sticks.

Despite having another week to prepare for their next Championship game, Farke will still make changes for this contest.

Przemyslaw Placheta, Kieran Dowell and Onel Hernandez will all expect to be provided with opportunities in the final third.

Alex Tettey should feature in centre midfield, while teenager Andrew Omobamidele could make his first start in the centre of defence.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:
Collins; Sollbauer, Andersen, Helik; Brittain, Kane, Palmer, Styles; Morris, Woodrow, Frieser

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Barden; Mumba, Omobamidele, Gibson, Sorensen; Tettey, McLean; Hernandez, Dowell, Placheta; Hugill

We say: Barnsley 1-2 Norwich City

While both clubs will make changes for this contest, we feel that can only play into the hands of the visitors. Their squad possesses greater strength in depth than their hosts, and the Canaries should be good value for a narrow win at Oakwell.

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