Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for an intriguing Premier League encounter between two sides hoping to finish the season in and around the mid-table spot as Norwich City host Swansea City. This fixture always produces goals, so hopefully we will see a few more today!

We'll start by looking at our hosts today, and things are certainly improving for Norwich. They still haven't found a pleasing level of consistency, alternating wins and defeats in their last six matches, but three wins from their last five games has lifted them four points clear of the relegation zone when they once looked like being dragged right into the mire.

Of course, they are still not clear from danger, particularly in a season as unpredictable as this one has been, but another three points today would open up a nice seven-point gap between themselves and Crystal Palace, who currently occupy 18th place. They could also rise into the top half of the table, overtaking Swansea, although that scenario does depend on how Aston Villa get on against Manchester United in the other 1.30pm kickoff today. To stand any chance of moving into the top half, though, they will have to record back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.

If they are to avoid a relegation battle this season, Hughton needs to sort out problems at both ends of the field. In defence, only the league's bottom two sides have conceded more goals than Norwich's 28 so far this season, while the same two clubs are also the only teams with a worse goal difference.

In attack, meanwhile, only five teams have scored fewer goals than their 14 in 15 games this season. This aspect is improving, however, with Norwich finding the net in each of their last five matches having previously gone three games without scoring. It is no coincidence that this improvement ties in with the return of Gary Hooper from injury, and he will be looking to continue his good recent scoring record this afternoon.

In fact, their summer signings, having taken a while to settle in, are now making a real difference at Carrow Road. Eight of their 14 goals in the league this season have been scored by new recruits, while Nathan Redmond in particular has set up a few more.

Despite their league position, Norwich's home form isn't too bad. They are unbeaten in their last three games at Carrow Road, winning the last two, and they have only lost here twice all season, to Aston Villa and Chelsea. If we look back even further, Norwich have only lost three of their last 16 league matches here so, while not exactly a fortress, it is certainly a tough place for the opposition to come. They are looking to win three Premier League home games back-to-back for the first time since a run of five last season, but an ominous sign is that that run came to an end on December 15, exactly a year ago today.

Anyone will tell you that the key to surviving in the Premier League is beating the teams around you rather than taking unexpected points off the big boys. Norwich have a good record against those around them in the table this season and have only conceded three goals when playing bottom-half opposition.

Swansea, however, are not bottom half opposition. They currently reside in 10th place and could potentially move up a spot to ninth if United lose to Villa and there is a big enough swing in the goal difference. To do that, they will have to rediscover the form that helped them to a 3-0 win over Newcastle 11 days ago, rather than putting in a repeat performance of their bland 1-1 draw with Hull on Monday.

Michael Laudrup's side will be riding high on the fact that they qualified for the next round of the Europa League in midweek, but that joy will be tempered by the fact that they went through despite losing against St Gallen. Couple that with the fact that this is their third game in the space of seven days, one of which was an away match in Europe, and it would be understandable if Swansea are a little jaded going into today's match.

While Norwich have problems at both ends to sort out, Swansea's glaring issue comes in defence. They have conceded 20 times in their 15 matches this season, the second highest tally in the top 13 behind Newcastle. However, at the other end, they have scored 21 times, an amount only two teams outside the high-scoring top five can beat.

Inconsistency has been Swansea's worst enemy so far this season, a problem no doubt exacerbated by the European travels of the team. They have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, but that record changes to just one loss in their last five if you look solely at league form. However, they have also only won two of their last seven league games, with Laudrup's side really struggling to string a good run of form together.

The inconsistency is perhaps most clearly shown in the fact that they have shared out results almost evenly in the league this season. They have won five, drawn four and lost six of their 15 matches and have not recorded the same type of result in back-to-back matches since consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Southampton in September/October.

Away from home, things are no more straightforward. They have just one win in their last seven away games in all competitions but, looking just at league form again, it makes better reading. Laudrup's side have picked up three of their five wins this season on their travels, with those all coming in their last six games along with three defeats.

Despite that respectable away form, Swansea have averaged less than a goal a game on their travels in the league this season, scoring just six times in seven matches. This figure becomes even more disappointing for Laudrup when you see that Swansea have averaged 59.7% of possession in their league games, along with a pass accuracy of 87%, both the highest figures in the entire division. Despite this, they are shooting just 13.4 times per game, the ninth highest total in the league, which shows that their possession is not leading anywhere on the majority of occasions.

TEAM NEWS: The team news is in for both sides and Norwich have opted for an unchanged lineup, leaving Ricky van Wolfswinkel out of the squad completely despite returning to full training this week. Swansea, meanwhile, make eight changes, including returns for Michu, Ashley Williams and Nathan Dyer to the starting lineup. Full team news for both sides coming up.

NORWICH STARTING XI: Ruddy; Whittaker, Turner, Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Howson, Johnson, Fer; Elmander, Hooper

NORWICH SUBS: Nash, Martin, Hoolahan, Garrido, Becchio, R Bennett, Murphy

SWANSEA STARTING XI: Vorm; Rangel, Amat, Williams, Davies; Canas, Shelvey, de Guzman, Hernandez, Dyer; Michu

SWANSEA SUBS: Tremmel, Taylor, Tiendalli, Lamah, Routledge, Pozuelo, Bony

So, what can we make of those two sides? Well, it is no real surprise to see Hughton name an unchanged lineup given his side's 2-0 win over West Brom in their last outing. Hooper was always going to lead the line, the main question surrounded who would join him up front. I expected Van Wolfswinkel to be on the bench, but Hughton has stressed that he won't rush the striker back from injury so he has probably just exercised a bit of caution this afternoon.

Hooper will, of course, be his side's main threat this afternoon. If he is not firing on all cylinders, it is tough to see where the goals will come from for the hosts. Elmander has never been a prolific scorer, while their best scorers from midfield - Snodgrass and Pilkington - are both out injured. Howson and Johnson can chip in with a couple here and there throughout a season, but the main brunt of the goals will be on Hooper today.

The man who will be charged with given Hooper most chances will be Redmond, who has made a very bright start to his Norwich career. The exciting young winger has been one of Norwich's best players so far this season, and the way this match goes may hinge on how he gets on against Ben Davies or Angel Rangel, depending on which wing he is on.

As for Swansea, Laudrup will be hoping that his eight changes will reduce the fatigue in the squad. He had no choice but to make a lot of alterations and welcome back many of his usual first-choice team into the side. The returns of Williams and Michu et al will give the visitors a massive boost for this match.

Michel Vorm starts in goal despite needing an operation in the near future. He will have to play through the pain barrier today, which could have an impact on his performance. He is without Chico Flores in front of him after the defender picked up a fifth yellow against Hull on Monday, which further weakens a Swansea defence that has struggled at times this season.

In midfield, Shelvey has made a big impact at the club since joining from Liverpool, and he is fast becoming one of their most important players. He is by no means the finished product yet - far from it, in fact - but he is showing signs of developing his game and becoming a real driving force in midfield. There are certainly more goals in the Swansea midfield than there are in the Norwich one, with Hernandez and Dyer, along with Shelvey, regular contributors to the scoresheet.

Up front, their main man remains Michu, although the Spaniard is suffering a bout of second-season syndrome at the moment. Having taken the league by storm last year, he has now failed to score in his last six Premier League games. His season has been interrupted by injury, but he will still be disappointed by his overall contribution this year compared to last.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at Carrow Road, which means that it is time for my match prediction. This game always seems to provide goals, and with two leaky defences on show I don't see that changing today. Both teams are also amongst the most inconsistent in the league at the moment, which makes this a very tough one to call. However, I think it will be a repeat of the corresponding fixture last season, where the spoils were shared in a 2-2 draw.

Norwich certainly have the upper hand in this fixture in recent times. Since they both arrived in the top flight, the Canaries are yet to lose to Swansea, drawing one and winning three of their four meetings. There have been 20 goals in those four matches too, averaging an entertaining five per game.

Looking back even further, the Canaries have won 13 of their 18 league meetings with Swansea at Carrow Road, with the Swans last victory here coming back in November 2008, when both teams were in the Championship. The last time Swansea beat Norwich anywhere was in April 2011 when they triumphed 3-0.

Are you ready for the most useless fact of the day? Geographically, this is the widest east-west fixture in Premier League history. Do with that information what you will.

I alluded to the day's other 1.30pm kickoff earlier, and you can follow that match between Aston Villa and Manchester United live with us by clicking here. Pascal Lemesre is your man for that one. Alternatively, I will be keeping you up to date with goals and key events from that match as they happen.

KICKOFF: Swansea get us underway at Carrow Road. Can the hosts leapfrog the Welsh side in the Premier League table or will the Swans hold on to their position in the top half?

This has been a frantic start to the match with Norwich immediately getting on the front foot and putting the Swansea defence under heavy pressure. The visitors are forced into a number of good blocks to protect the keeper before Whittaker wildly slices a shot well wide.

After that bright start the game has died down a little now as Swansea get themselves on the ball for the first time and slow the tempo. They have dominated possession more than any other side in the league so far this season, and they are beginning to take control of the ball in this one too.

SHOT! Norwich try to be too clever on the edge of their own box and gift the ball back to Swansea. Pablo Hernandez eventually gets it a fires a low shot towards the near post that whizzes a couple of yards wide. Ruddy had that one covered even if it was on target.

Really good goalkeeping from Ruddy as he comes flying out of his goal to collect a dangerous cross from a free kick. That was commanding keeping and he did well to hold onto the ball too.

Ruddy is again called upon to come and claim a cross into the box, but this one is much easier for the Norwich keeper. It was from a corner, but there wasn't a single white shirt putting pressure on Ruddy and he made a simple catch.

Michu wins a free kick in a good position around 30 yards from goal. The striker went down quite easily but it was a clear push in the back from Turner and the ref was right to award a free kick. De Guzman and Ben Davies are standing over this one...

De Guzman is the man who takes it but it is a poor effort as he curls it well over the bar. Ben Davies may well be demanding the next one after that.

Swansea take the lead, but it is far too easy for the visitors to score that goal. Williams plays a long ball upfield and Dyer, who has drifted into a central position, beats Bassong in the air when he really doesn't have any right to. He runs onto his own header before lifting the ball over Ruddy, who rushed out to meet the winger. Nice finish, but that was poor defending all round from Norwich.

PENALTY SHOUT! The hosts want a penalty for handball, but the ref rightly waves it away. It certainly struck Rangel on the arm, but he had his back turned and was very close to the header when it came in, so there was nothing he could do about it.

UPDATE: Manchester United have taken the lead against Aston Villa in the game's other 1.30pm kickoff. Danny Welbeck got the goal that makes it 1-0 to the struggling champions.

The home fans are getting a bit restless now as Swansea continue to dominate possession. They shouldn't be too unhappy right now, though, as Swansea aren't really going anywhere. It is decent defending from Norwich, who have to accept that they won't have most of the ball this afternoon.

UPDATE: United have made it 2-0 against Aston Villa and it is Welbeck again with the goal, his second of the game. Who needs Robin van Persie?

Good battling from Fer in the middle as he gets the better of two Norwich players before feeding the ball to Redmond. The winger's cross is too long, however, and flies out for a goal kick.

Good approach play from Swansea on the edge of the box as Michu and Hernandez exchange passes before the latter fires his shot into the back of Turner, who makes a good block.

Hernandez this time slips the ball through to Davies down the left channel and full-back pulls it back to Michu, who skies his shot well over the bar. Had he left that for Shelvey behind him then it would have been a clearer chance, but the Spaniard's striking instinct took over.

Norwich are holding their own at the moment but they aren't looking threatening at all when they go forward. Swansea, on the other hand, do look capable of scoring when they attack.

Whittaker plays a raking diagonal ball into the box, where only Hooper is waiting. The striker does well to beat his man in the air, but it was asking a lot of him to fashion the cross into any dangerous effort and he can only glance the header well wide.

Redmond does well on the right wing, beating his man before hanging a ball into the middle. Vorm comes a long way to collect it and eventually grabs hold at the second attempt under good pressure from Fer.

That passage of play really summer Swansea up. They were in a very tight situation in their own corner under pressure from two or three Norwich players, but still refused to hoof the ball upfield, instead skilfully playing their way out of defence and launching an attack.

Olsson does well down the left to win a 50/50 before accelerating away down the flank. He has time and space to weigh up his cross, but then proceeds to play it straight into the arms of Vorm. That was a poor end product once again from Norwich.

Shelvey finds De Guzman with a lovely ball over the top of the defence, but Norwich scramble back to force him out wide and the eventual cross into the middle is cleared. The hosts have struggled to deal with the long ball this afternoon, which is ironic considering Swansea usually hurt teams with their intricate passing.

CHANCE! Big chance for Norwich as Hooper muscles Williams off the ball to put him clean through on goal. Vorm stays up well and Hooper tries to go the long way round him to create an angle to shoot, but his eventual effort is sliced wide. He should have done better with the finish but he showed good tenacity to nick the ball off Williams.

This is better from Norwich now. That chance seems to have given the team and the fans a bit of a lift. They still need to improve their end product, however, as Vorm still hasn't had a save to make this afternoon.

This has been a scrappy match so far, certainly not the best half of football I have seen this season. Redmond has been disappointing for Norwich, giving possession away too often and only once taking on his full-back and putting the ball into the box. We need to see more of that from him.

Dyer is in trouble here as the physios call for the stretcher after a collision with Bassong. The free kick has actually been given against the Swansea player for backing into Bassong, but Dyer has certainly come off worse. The replay suggests that his right ankle got caught under the weight of both men on their way down, and it looks like it could be a nasty injury.

This really is a big blow for Swansea. They are still giving Dyer treatment on the field, and it looks like he could be out for some time, which is just what the visitors don't want with the busy period coming up.

SWANSEA SUB: Dyer is eventually carried off to applause from all four sides of the ground. He is replaced by Alejandro Pozuelo.

OFF THE LINE! Brilliant defending from Ashley Williams as he gets back onto the line to flick a header over the crossbar. It was a scramble in the area following a Norwich corner, and I think it was Fer who got the last touch to direct it goalwards, but Williams was well-positioned to save his side.

CHANCE! From the very next corner Fer rises to meet it again but this time he steers his effort over the bar. He got up well then so will be unhappy that he couldn't make more of the chance.

That injury to Nathan Dyer means that there will be a minimum of six minutes added time at the end of this half.

Poor decision from Howson as a decent move gives him the ball 30 yards from goal in a central position. He has Redmond and Whittaker in acres of space on the right and should slip them in, but instead he goes for goal and drags his shot well wide.

Wow! Where did that come from?! Hooper comes up with a moment of magic at the end of the first half to level the sides. Elmander did really well to win the ball on the edge of the box and knock it down to Hooper, but from then on it was all about the former Celtic striker. He chested it down and smashed a volley over Vorm and into the back of the net. Brilliant goal.

That is better from Redmond. He uses his pace to get past his man on the inside before going for goal, but his sliced effort swings some way wide.

The referee brings an end to the first half, but Norwich won't have wanted the game to stop just then. They were on top at the end of the half and looked capable of going on to take the lead had it lasted another 10 minutes or so. Swansea struggled to get going again after the injury to Dyer and will have welcomed the half-time whistle even if they do go into the break level.

The visitors opened the scoring after just 13 minutes thanks to some shoddy defending from Norwich. Bassong allowed the tiny Nathan Dyer to beat him in the air and Ruddy made the finish easier for the winger by coming off his line, giving Dyer room to lift it over him. It was a good finish from the Swansea man, but it was certainly an avoidable goal from Swansea's point of view.

There was little the visitors could do about the equaliser, however, as Hooper smashed a brilliant volley past Vorm from 25 yards. It was not too dissimilar to Luis Suarez's against Norwich a couple of weeks ago, just much closer to the goal. Still, it continued Hooper's good goalscoring form this season, with the striker now finding the net four times in his last six games.

It was by no means the best half of football I have ever seen. Both sides struggled to create chances and I don't think either keeper made a save in the first half. The half started well with Norwich coming out flying, but Swansea soon gained control of the ball and slowed the tempo down. It also finished well, again with Norwich on top, so hopefully we will see the second half pick up where the first left off.

Swansea have just about edged it in terms of general play, but the best moments of the half fell to Norwich in the final few moments. Ashley Williams was called upon to clear the ball off his own line from Fer's header late on, before Fer had another headed chance from the resulting corner.

Neither manager will be too pleased with his side's performance in the first half as both teams are capable of playing much better than they have done. However, Hughton will probably be the happier of the two having seen his side end the half on top and grab a late equaliser that gives them the momentum.

Laudrup, meanwhile, will know that his side are performing well below par. They have had most of the ball and controlled the game during the middle of the first half, but they haven't looked threatening enough during that time and Ruddy hasn't had a save to make so far. His side need to start using their possession more effectively, and that is something that is true for their entire season rather than just this afternoon.

KICKOFF: Norwich get us back underway for the second half. No change for either side at the break, with the only switch so far coming for Swansea, who had to take off Dyer due to what is a suspected broken ankle. The winger is en route to hospital as we speak.

UPDATE: United have extended their lead over Aston Villa even further, with Tom Cleverley making it 3-0 to the champions. That will be a welcome boost for David Moyes.

CHANCE! It's another chance for the hosts from a corner. This time it is Bassong who beats Amat in the air, but he steers it quite a long way wide when he should have done better. He will be disappointed by that finish.

Nice, patient build-up play from Swansea as Bassong can only clear a cross as far as De Guzman. The midfielder refuses to shoot from range, instead starting a good passing move that eventually results in a blocked shot.

Ruddy does really well to come out and claim a Shelvey cross under heavy pressure. It was a lovely ball in by the Swansea midfielder and Ruddy had to stoop low to collect it, but he held onto it well. Good goalkeeping.

This second half is going much the same way as the first at the moment. Both sides are seeing plenty of the ball without really going anywhere with it. The final ball from both sides has been poor today.

Good play from Redmond as he wins the ball down the right and immediately looks to get down the line and put a cross into the box. He does both of those things, but once again the delivery is too close to Vorm, who collects.

YELLOW CARD! Canas becomes the first man in the book this afternoon, and he can have no complaints. The ball was flicked past him and he just stuck a hand out to swat it away before lambasting himself for his momentary lapse in composure.

Hernandez does well to bundle through a couple of challenges on the right wing but, as has been the story of this afternoon, his cross is too easy for Ruddy to come and collect under no pressure.

Whittaker cuts inside from the left and suddenly everything opens up for him as the Swansea defence fail to close him down. The crowd call for a shot and he obliges, dragging a low effort a couple of yards past the near post.

SHOT! Nice football from Swansea as Pozuelo picks up the ball and drives at the Norwich defence. He plays a one-two with Hernandez on the edge of the box before curling a 25-yard effort a yard or two over the crossbar. Ruddy wasn't too worried, but it was a decent effort from the sub.

We've had just over an hour now and still neither keeper has had a save to make. They have both had to pick the ball out of their own net but still not made a save.

YELLOW CARD! Vorm goes into the book for time-wasting, much to the delight of the home fans who have been trying to draw Michael Oliver's attention to it since midway through the first half.

Michu almost slides a lovely pass behind the defence to Hernandez, but Bassong recovers in time to get a toe to the ball ahead of the Swansea man. That was a vital challenge from the centre-back.

YELLOW CARD! The card count is beginning to rise now, with Rangel the latest to go into the book for a cynical foul on Fer, who had beaten the Swansea defender. That means that Rangel will miss the next match through suspension.

Rangel is involved again as he finds space on the right side of the box. He has men in the middle but chooses to go for goal, only to see his shot blocked. Some of the decision making in this match has been poor, it must be said.

Amat is penalised for a foul on Gary Hooper in a goods position for Norwich. They have caused problems from set pieces so far today and this is another chance to swing the ball into the box.

OFF THE BAR! That is incredibly lucky for Swansea as they escape with a corner when it could have easily been 2-1 to Norwich. The free kick was flicked on at the front post and Vorm could only flap at the ball under heavy pressure. It fell to Turner, who steered his header towards the top corner only to see his effort come back off the bar and hit Amat on the back of the head before going behind for a corner. That rebound could have gone anywhere.

Redmond races down the right and reaches the byline before pulling a dangerous low cross back into the box. Elmander has done the right thing in attacking the front post but he can't get enough on it to steer it goalwards and the ball continues out for a throw in.

At this point in the match you'd think that Swansea would be happy to come away with a draw. Norwich are starting to take control and carve out more chances, while Michael Laudrup's men are struggling to come up with anything when they attack. Michu has been virtually anonymous today.

Swansea have really struggled to deal with Norwich's long balls into the area from set pieces today. The latest example sees Fer win yet another header to nod it back across goal, but Swansea win the second ball and eventually clear the danger.

SWANSEA SUB: Michu trudges off the field after a pretty poor performance to be replaced by Wilfried Bony.

GREAT SAVE! Moments after making a hash of a punch to concede a corner, Vorm redeems himself with a fine save. Turner again won a header in the box and, despite it falling to a Swansea player, they couldn't get it clear. The ball was worked back into the box and eventually fell to Hooper, who hit a first-time shot towards the corner that Vorm tips wide. You'd have backed Hooper to score there.

NORWICH SUB: Elmander was starting to cause a few problems up front but Hughton decides to bring him off in favour of Luciano Becchio, who gets a great reception from the home fans.

Amat is dispossessed in a dangerous area and Norwich suddenly have a two-on-one situation. Hooper gives it to Becchio early, but the sub chooses to let the ball run across his body and go wide for some reason. He should have kept up the momentum there by driving towards goal. Again, poor decision making.

Bony is really causing a nuisance of himself in his own defence. He gave the ball away for Hooper's chance a few moments ago and he does it again on the edge of his own box here, gifting the ball to Redmond who slices a shot well wide while off balance.

NORWICH SUB: Redmond gets a standing ovation as he makes way to be placed by Josh Murphy. I'm surprised at that decision as Redmond has the ability to win these types of games late on.

SWANSEA SUB: The visitors respond with their third and final change of the day, replacing Pablo Hernandez with Roland Lamah.

Becchio wins a free kick in another good crossing position for the hosts. Johnson again whips a good delivery into the area but Bassong completely mistimes his header at the back post, glancing it closer to the corner flag than the goal.

CHANCE! Bony is released by a long pass down the middle and he creates space to shoot on the edge of the box, curling his effort just past the post. Shelvey was unmarked just to his right and the striker really should have given it to the young midfielder, who is not happy at Bony's selfishness there.

CHANCE! Pozuelo gives the ball square to Shelvey in the area and he flicks it up before volleying it towards goal. It deflects onto the hand of Bassong but the ref is right not to give the penalty as he could nothing about it. Shelvey doesn't waste time complaining and makes a good run behind the defence, but his shot is well saved by Ruddy, who was quick off his line to close the angle.

There will be a minimum of three minutes added time at the end of the this match. Time for a winner, perhaps?

Swansea are the team looking most like scoring in these closing stages and De Guzman races into the area only for Olsson to come across and make a good challenge. The resulting corner sees Ruddy fumble the ball, but there are no white shirts in the vicinity to take advantage.

The ref blows for full time as the spoils are shared between Norwich and Swansea. Neither side can have too many complaints at the final scoreline, although Norwich will look back on their chances, with one effort being cleared off the line and another hitting the crossbar, and feel that they had the opportunity to win this one against an under-par Swansea side.

Right, that's all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you for joining Sports Mole for today's match as Norwich and Swansea play out a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road. Be sure to stick around for our match report and reaction, which will both be on site shortly, while analysis of the game will be up within half an hour. There is more live football on offer in the shape of Tottenham vs. Liverpool but, from me, it is goodbye for now!