Dean Smith's Norwich City host Preston North End on Saturday afternoon, when a win will see them continue to ramp up the pressure on table-toppers Sheffield United.

Preston are yet to concede away from home this season though, so could prove to be a stern test for the Canaries.

Match preview

Norwich City are where you would expect them to be in the Championship table, as Dean Smith's side are second on goal difference behind Sheffield United.

Unbeaten in the league since a 2-1 away defeat at Hull City in August, Norwich go into this game knowing victory could send them top if Sheffield United fail to win at Stoke City.

In their last outing Norwich were held by playoff hopefuls Reading, where Grant Hanley's opener was cancelled out by a Jeff Hendrick equaliser.

Norwich have also taken seven points from their last three home games as they look to make Carrow Road a fortress if they are to push all the way for promotion to the Premier League.

Preston have the best defence in the division but also the worst attack, having scored and shipped four goals in 12 games.

It is a truly remarkable record as league games involving Preston have only seen more than one goal on one occasion, which was their 2-0 home defeat at the hands of league leaders Sheffield United.

Preston do however go into this game on the back of a 1-0 home victory over West Bromwich Albion, where Emil Riis Jakobsen's early goal was enough to seal all three points.

The victory ended a four-match winless run for Ryan Lowe's side and although their attacking output is uninspiring, their strong defence is the reason they are just two points off the playoff places.

Saturday's trip to Carrow Road will prove to be the ultimate test for Preston's credentials if they are to challenge for the playoffs this season.

Team News

Todd Cantwell is a doubt for this game, having also missed the midweek draw at Reading, but as his knock is not deemed serious he could return to the bench here.

Isaac Hayden is also nearing a return following a knee injury, but Saturday will likely come too soon for the Newcastle United loanee.

Liam Gibbs has started the last two games on the bench and will be pushing for a start following his return from injury.

With no injury or suspension concerns, Ryan Lowe goes into this game with a selection dilemma as he looks to add a bit of attacking spice to his mean defence.

Should the manager want to go more attacking he has the likes of Daniel Johnson and Ben Woodburn as his disposal.

Troy Parrott is another potential starter here; the Ireland international could start alongside fellow Irishman Sean Maguire, which would be a fast and dynamic duo in attack.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Krul; Aarons, Omobamidele, Hanley, Byram; Nunez, McLean; Sargent, Ramsey, Hernandez; Pukki

Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Cunningham; Browne, Ledson, Whiteman, Fernandez; Brady, Jakobsen, Maguire

We say: Norwich City 1-0 Preston North End

Norwich City have been typically strong at home and appear to have momentum on their side following Sheffield United's recent hiccups.

Preston have to be respected though, and they could give the home side a nervy and frustrating encounter if they manage to frustrate them for large periods of the game. A narrow home win appears to be on the cards.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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