Preview: Norwich City vs. Ipswich Town

Norwich City striker Gary Hooper will return to the squad for the East Anglian derby with Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon.

An infection kept Hooper out of Norwich's 2-1 victory away at Blackburn Rovers, but the 27-year-old is available as the Canaries look to record their sixth successive win.

However, Norwich remain without the injured trio of Gary O'Neil, Elliott Bennett and Ryan Bennett for the visit of their rivals.

The team's form under new manager Alex O'Neil has moved them into a position where victory at the weekend will see the club overtake Ipswich in the Championship standings.

Mick McCarthy takes his Ipswich side to Carrow Road in confident mood after they recorded three wins from their last four fixtures.

Two defeats in three had threatened to derail the Tractor Boys' hopes of a top-two finish, but recent results have left them just three points behind Middlesbrough.

However, with the chasing pack hot on their heels, McCarthy will be aware that a loss against Norwich could result in his team dropping out of the playoff places.

Midfielder Cole Skuse has been declared after his early withdrawal against Birmingham City, while Chris Wood will feature in the squad after joining the club on loan from Leicester City.

However, there is a doubt around the fitness of Teddy Bishop after he suffered an injury to his ankle during training.

Norwich City:

Recent form: DWWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson, Dorrans, Johnson, Redmond, Howson, Hoolahan, Grabban

Ipswich Town:

Recent form: DLWWLW

Possible starting lineup: Bialkowski, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Mings, Anderson, Bru, Skuse, Parr, Sears, Murphy

Sports Mole says: 2-1