Cardiff City play host to Norwich City on Saturday afternoon looking to continue their renaissance in the second tier.
At a time when the Bluebirds sit in 20th position in the Championship standings, Norwich are in eighth spot after a succession of draws.
Match preview
© Imago
In the days after parting ways with Erol Bulut, Cardiff's hierarchy were being judged for not having a long-term successor in place at a time when they were cut adrift at the bottom of the table.
However, that has since proven to be an inspired decision with Omer Riza having guided the Bluebirds on a five-match unbeaten streak either side of the international break.
Three wins and two draws have been accumulated during that period, with Cardiff posting important wins over Millwall, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth.
Last weekend's goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion was equally impressive given that Cardiff have not posted a Championship win on their travels since April.
While everyone will want greater stability at some point, Cardiff's board are right to maintain their current position even though they are now one point above the drop zone.
Norwich are another team who are on a lengthy streak without defeat, Johannes Hoff Thorup's side going seven matches without losing in the second tier.
Some momentum has been lost, however, with four draws featuring during that run, the Canaries having to valiantly fight back for shares of the spoils during their last two matches.
After a 2-2 draw at Preston North End, Norwich found their long-standing unbeaten run at Carrow Road under real threat when going 3-1 behind versus Middlesbrough.
Nevertheless, two goals in the final 19 minutes earned a dramatic 3-3 draw, keeping the East Anglian outfit within one point of the playoffs.
Team News
© Imago
Riza may see no reason to make any changes to the Cardiff side that earned a share of the spoils at West Brom.
Aaron Ramsey is one of several Cardiff players who are expected to be missing from this contest, but Kion Etete is pushing for a first appearance in the squad this season after a hamstring injury.
Norwich will be forced into at least one change with Kenny McLean starting a three-match ban for his red card versus Middlesbrough.
Jacob Sorensen could be recalled to take the Scotland international's place with Thorup reluctant to take risks with a number of players as they bid to return after injury.
Christian Fassnacht and Tony Springett are two players who may feature in the squad having taken part in training this week.
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Alnwick; Ng, Goutas, Chambers, O'Dowda; Robertson, Turnbull; Tanner, Colwill, El Ghazi; Robinson
Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Long; Fisher, Duffy, Cordoba, Doyle; Slimane, Sorensen, Marcondes; Crnac, Sargent, Sainz
We say: Cardiff City 2-2 Norwich City
This has all the makings of an entertaining contest with Cardiff continuing to head in the right direction under Riza. However, Norwich have shown enough in recent games to suggest they are still playing well enough to earn a share of the spoils.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
