Cardiff City play host to Norwich City on Saturday afternoon looking for the victory that could move them into the Championship playoff places.

At a time when the Bluebirds begin the latest matchday in seventh position in the standings, Norwich are down in 17th spot after a four-game losing streak.

Match preview

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There will still be some Cardiff supporters who are anticipating their side falling back into the mid-table positions, a consequence of several years of struggle in the second tier.

However, seven points and three clean sheets from their last three outings should provide even the most pessimistic of fan with hope that they can challenge for promotion.

Although there would have been a tinge of disappointment with a goalless draw at Stoke City last weekend, it kept things ticking over with the Bluebirds just four points behind third-placed Leeds United.

Collecting four points from their most recent two away fixtures was necessary for a team that have been heavily reliant on their form in South Wales.

That said, it is the aforementioned form at the Cardiff City Stadium that is proving to be the difference for Erol Bulut's side, as many as 16 points coming from their last six outings on home territory.

In sharp contrast, Norwich are a team devoid of confidence wherever they play their football, with nine defeats being posted in 12 matches in all competitions.

David Wagner's team were booed off as they succumbed to a 3-1 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers last time out, despite their opponents playing the final 36 minutes with 10 men.

The Canaries have now conceded 11 goals in just four games, with their solitary two victories since the start of September coming at Carrow Road.

Norwich still possess the fourth-best attacking record on their travels in this division, yet Wagner is aware that losing to Cardiff may result in his departure during the November international break.

Team News

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With his side having drawn a blank against Stoke, Bulut will consider making changes in the Cardiff final third.

Rubin Colwill and Kion Etete are both regarded as alternatives to Callum Robinson and Yakou Meite, while Ike Ugbo will also hope for a recall.

However, each of Callum O'Dowda and Aaron Ramsey remain out of contention due to injury.

Norwich have issues in defence with the suspended Shane Duffy joining Ben Gibson and Grant Hanley on the sidelines.

Danny Batth will be drafted into the side to partner Jaden Warner, while Sam McCullum, Borja Sainz and Adam Idah are among the other players who will hope for an opportunity.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Alnwick; Ng, Goutas, McGuinness, Collins; Siopis, Ralls; Bowler, Colwill, Grant; Etete

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Long; Stacey, Warner, Batth, Giannoulis; Sara, McLean; Rowe, Nunez, Sainz; Hwang

We say: Cardiff City 2-1 Norwich City

With Norwich still possessing a talented attacking unit, they should not be ruled out from causing a surprise in South Wales. Nevertheless, we cannot back against the home side, whose excellent home form cannot be ignored, and Cardiff could run out victors by the odd goal in three.

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