Time is running out for Norwich City and Manchester United to secure their respective goals for the season.
They will meet at Carrow Road on Saturday lunchtime, both with deficits to make up, which means that the stage has been reached where a defeat is likely to prove fatal for either side.
Norwich
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While the North-East duo of Newcastle United and Sunderland appear to be making a decent fist of their fights against relegation, the same cannot be said of Norwich.
On April 2, the situation looked bright thanks to a 3-2 win over Newcastle. It left the Canaries in 17th position, four points above the drop zone. For all intents and purposes, it seemed that Alex Neil's men were going to survive.
However, since that outing, three straight defeats have been suffered - including two potentially damaging losses against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace and Sunderland. As a result, Norwich have dropped to 19th and now find themselves two points adrift of safety with three matches left to play.
The 1-0 loss away at Arsenal last time out summed up the East Anglian-based outfit's main problem in a nutshell. They had a total of 12 shots on goal, but only three landed on target and none of those got the better of Petr Cech.
With that in mind, it will be little surprise to learn that only a hapless Aston Villa side (27) have scored fewer goals this season than Norwich (35).
On top of that, their home form ahead of Man United's visit does little to boost confidence levels. In 2016, just two victories have been picked up from eight matches.
Recent form: DWWLLL
Man United
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You get the impression that even the Man United hierarchy have no idea whether or not Louis van Gaal will be in charge next season, such is the level of mixed messages that are being reported by the media at present.
The latest speculation is that the man believed to be waiting in the wings - Jose Mourinho - has been asked by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to wait another 12 months before replacing the veteran Dutch coach.
Of course, Woodward could well be forced to wield the axe if Van Gaal fails to guide the club into the top four and all the riches of the Champions League, even if the FA Cup is won for a record-equalling 12th time against Crystal Palace at Wembley later this month.
It will all come to a head this weekend if fifth-placed United are defeated by Norwich and neighbours Manchester City collect all three points from their home encounter against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium 24 hours later. If that happens, United will mathematically be out of the Champions League hunt.
On the flip side, were United to emerge victorious and the Gunners do them a favour by winning, there would be just one point separating the two Manchester clubs and crucially, Van Gaal's men would have a game in hand - away at West Ham United on Tuesday night.
To keep their top-four hopes alive, United will have to arrest some poor form on the road. Since November 28, the Red Devils have won just twice away from home - a run that dates back 10 matches (five losses).
Recent form: LWWWWD
Team News
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Having been charged with violent conduct for a clash with Robert Huth last weekend, United midfielder Marouane Fellaini finds himself suspended for this encounter.
It means that Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin will be pushing for inclusion, with the latter perhaps the favourite to come in.
Aside from that enforced alteration, Van Gaal could well stick with the same side that drew 1-1 with champions Leicester City.
As for Norwich, forwards Steven Naismith and Dieumerci Mbokani are pushing for recalls, having started on the bench against Arsenal.
However, defenders Timm Klose and Andre Wisdom are unlikely to recover from knee injuries in time to feature.
Norwich possible starting lineup:
Ruddy; Pinto, Martin, Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Howson, O'Neil, Brady; Naismith, Mbokani
Man United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Carrick, Schneiderlin; Lingard, Rooney, Martial; Rashford
Head To Head
During the Premier League era, United have never suffered home and away defeats in the same season to a newly-promoted side.
Yet, Norwich have the chance to buck the trend thanks to their unexpected 2-1 win at Old Trafford just before Christmas.
That was a result that ended a four-game losing streak for Norwich in this fixture.
The hosts will also need to be wary of Juan Mata if he is included in the United team. The Spanish playmaker has scored four goals against Norwich in the Premier League - more than against any other club.
We say: Norwich 1-1 Man United
A draw helps neither of these sides, but there is a real chance that they could end up cancelling each other out. United's performances have improved ever so slightly over recent weeks, but with a passionate crowd behind them, Norwich should have what it takes to claim a share of the spoils.
Liam Apicella
