Preview: Birmingham City vs. Norwich City

Norwich City have hit impressive highs and fallen to disappointing defeats since returning to the Championship, and the challenge for Alex Neil is surely to find consistency as he looks to guide the club back to the Premier League.

The Canaries boss was forced to endure his first frustration last week since arriving at Carrow Road as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to promotion rivals Brentford.

It was a performance which disappointed fans and players alike, and Steven Whittaker was forced to listen to jeers when he was taken off after a below-par display in an unfamiliar midfield role.

The challenge for Neil will be to boost morale again as soon as possible, and he will be desperate to see the team get back to their best against Birmingham City.

Norwich head into the match just four points outside the playoff places, and they can pile the pressure on their rivals with a seventh away win of the season.

A visit to St Andrew's is not a trip to take lightly anymore, with Gary Rowett receiving deserved praise for the way he has turned Birmingham's form around since his arrival at the club.

However, the Blues have hit a stumbling block in recent weeks, and are without a win in their last three games in all competitions.

The latest result was an uninspiring goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, but the future remains bright for Birmingham, who would be just four points behind Norwich if they pick up the win on Saturday.

Michael Morrison could be missing for Birmingham after being forced off in the first half in midweek, but Jonathan Spector is in line to replace his teammate in defence in what could be the only change.

The biggest boost for Birmingham supporters will be that Demarai Gray is set to start again after another week filled with speculation surrounding his future.

Norwich could welcome back Lewis Grabban and Wes Hoolahan as Neil considers freshening up his attack following the loss to Brentford.

Birmingham:

Form in Championship: WLWWDD Form in all competitions: WWWDLD

Possible starting lineup: Randolph, Caddis, Spector, Robinson, Grounds, Davis, Gleeson, Cotterill, Shinnie, Gray, Donaldson

Norwich:

Form in Championship: DWLWWL Form in all competitions: WLLWWL

Possible starting lineup: Ruddy, Martin, Cuellar, Turner, Olsson, Bennett, Johnson, Redmon, Hooper, Grabban, Jerome

Sports Mole says: 2-2