Preview: Brentford vs. Norwich City - prediction, team news, lineups

Norwich City square off against Brentford on Tuesday evening having put together a three-match winning streak in the Championship.

The Canaries now sit three points above last season's playoff runners-up, who have lost two of their last four matches in the second tier.

Match preview

While Brentford only sit four points adrift of second-placed Bristol City, Thomas Frank will be concerned that his team may struggle for consistency this season.

Either side of victories over Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday, Brentford have capitulated in fixtures against Preston North End and Stoke City.

Back at the ground where they effectively let slip automatic promotion last season, the Bees went 2-0 down to Stoke within 35 minutes before eventually losing by a 3-2 scoreline.

Frank will take the positives from how his players rallied during the final quarter of the contest at the bet365 Stadium, but this was a further wake-up call that many of the teams in the Championship have improved since last season.

Marcus Forss's double took him to five strikes for the campaign, and the young Finn is now knocking on the door for his first start in this division.

As far as Norwich are concerned, they travel to England's capital having shaken off their disappointing start to the campaign with three hard-fought triumphs.

Although the Canaries were far from their best against Rotherham United, Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers, Daniel Farke will be delighted with the character shown by his squad.

Now sitting in fifth spot in the standings, Farke knows that Norwich have an opportunity to put some distance between themselves and one of the favourites for promotion.

Goals remain an issue for this team, however, with Mario Vrancic and Teemu Pukki currently sitting at the top of the side's scoring chart with just two strikes apiece.

Brentford Championship form: WDLWWL Brentford form (all competitions): DWLWWL

Norwich City Championship form: DLLWWW

Team News

Frank will almost certainly ditch the 3-4-3 formation from the weekend, resulting in several changes being made to his Brentford side.

Mathias Jensen and Bryan Mbuemo will almost certainly be handed recalls, replacing centre-back Mads Bech Sorensen and winger Sergi Canos.

Pontus Jansson and Christian Norgaard remain absent through injury, while Forss may be named among the replacements despite his encouraging form.

Norwich will be without Adam Idah, who was sent off after being introduced as a substitute at the weekend.

Having scored the winning goal in successive outings as a replacement, Vrancic will expect to be given a chance in midfield.

Farke could opt to go with a three in the centre of the pitch, a move which would result in Pukki or Jordan Hugill dropping to the substitutes' bench.

Brentford possible starting lineup: Raya; Dalsgaard, Goode, Pinnock, Henry; Jensen, Janelt, Dasilva; Mbuemo, Toney, Ghoddos

Norwich City possible starting lineup: Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Quintilla; Skipp, Rupp; Buendia, Vrancic, Cantwell; Pukki

We say: Brentford 2-1 Norwich City

While Norwich will fancy their chances of prolonging their recent positive run, we cannot help but think that Brentford will bounce back in this contest. It could be tight for the first hour or so, but the Bees may edge this game in the closing stages.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data