Norwich City square off against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon looking to get back on track after a surprise defeat before the international break.

While the Canaries are in fifth place in the Championship standings, Stoke are all the way down in 16th spot after losing their early-season momentum.

Match preview

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After such a poor end to the last campaign, Norwich fans can only have been left pleasantly surprised by their performances during the opening weeks of this campaign.

Ten points were accumulated from their opening four fixtures, with David Wagner's side scoring a remarkable 13 goals in the process which included a 4-0 victory at former club Huddersfield Town.

However, Norwich went down to a surprise 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rotherham United last time, with the Millers netting twice before half time and leaving their opponents with too much to do after the break.

As a result, the East Anglian side have dropped down to fifth place in the table, three points adrift of unbeaten leaders Preston North End.

Wagner's side now have a tough run of fixtures in front of them, with their clash against Stoke followed by showdowns against Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle and Birmingham City.

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Given the talent that has been acquired by Stoke over the summer, they will be a threat to each team in this division as they bid to end their wait for a Premier League return.

Nevertheless, inconsistency is hindering Alex Neil's side right now, with the Potters losing successive matches against Millwall and leaders Preston North End without getting on a scoresheet.

With two victories having been posted against Championship teams in the EFL Cup, Neil and his Stoke side should not necessarily be judged on losing three of their opening five second-tier games.

That said, Neil will recognise that his side need to remain on the coattails of the top six to give his team the chance of delivering the kind of season that is expected of them.

Stoke make the long trip to Norwich having failed to score in either of their two away fixtures this campaign, one of which took place at the home of Norwich's fierce rivals Ipswich Town.

Team News

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Despite defeat last time out, Norwich boss Wagner may be prepared to select the same starting lineup for this game.

Marcelino Nunez, a possible inclusion in midfield, has joined the likes of Josh Sargent on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury on international duty with Chile.

Although Danny Batth has been brought into the squad as a replacement for Andrew Omobamidele, the centre-back will be selected on the substitutes' bench at best.

With Enda Stevens having sustained a calf issue while on international duty with Republic of Ireland, Junior Tchamadeu is on standby to deputise at left-back.

Michael Rose is an option to come into the centre of defence, while Lynden Gooch may be provided with a start on the right flank.

Attacking duo Andre Vidigal and Ryan Mmaee may run out of time to recover from their respective injuries in time for this match.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, Giannoulis; McLean, Sara; Fassnacht, Barnes, Rowe; Idah

Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Travers; Hoever, Rose, Wilmot, Tchamadeu; Burger, Pearson; Gooch, Laurent, Campbell; Wesley

We say: Norwich City 2-0 Stoke City

Although both teams suffered defeat immediately before the international break, Norwich have look by far the superior side in recent games. With that in mind, we can only predict a home win for the Canaries, heaping the pressure on Neil in the opposite dugout.

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

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