Preview: Norwich City vs. Cardiff City

Many eyebrows were raised when Norwich City decided to appoint 33-year-old manager Alex Neil after Neil Adams stepped down from his role at Carrow Road.

However, the new boss could not have got off to a better start last weekend as he watched his side topple league leaders Bournemouth at Dean Court despite being reduced to 10 men with almost half an hour remaining.

That result saw the Canaries move to within one point of the playoff places, and they could well break back into the top six with victory over Cardiff City at Carrow Road this Saturday.

Their improved form of just one defeat in six games has breathed new life into their playoff challenge, and it has coincided with a purple patch for Gary Hooper, who has scored five and assisted another five in his last eight appearances.

He should once again lead the line alongside last weekend's match-winner Cameron Jerome, but Jonny Howson will play no part having lost his appeal against the red card he received in that match.

Other than that enforced change, which could see Gary O'Neil come into the side, Neil is expected to stick with the same XI that brought them victory over the Cherries.

Cardiff are six points further back but saw their own playoff ambitions given a boost with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham last time out.

The occasion was more memorable than the match itself, however, as the club returned to their traditional blue shirts after prolonged pressure from the fans.

The result ended a five-match winless streak in the league that had seen them pick up just two points from a possible 15 and slide back towards the bottom half.

Russell Slade will be hoping that his side are back on track now, though, and victory on Saturday would see them win three in a row in all competitions for the first time since August.

Away form is still a major issue for the Bluebirds, however, with just one league win on the road all season being arguably the biggest barrier to their playoff ambitions.

They have only won once in their last 10 visits to Carrow Road too, so fans may not hold much hope of improving that record this weekend.

David Marshall could be back, however, while Alex Revell is pushing for his full debut but may once again be utilised off the bench.

Norwich:

Form in Championship: WWDWLW Form in all competitions: WDWLLW

Possible starting lineup: Ruddy; Martin, Whittaker, Turner, Olsson; Johnson, O'Neil, Redmond, Hoolahan; Hooper, Jerome

Cardiff:

Form in Championship: DLLDLW Form in all competitions: LLDLWW

Possible starting lineup: Marshall; Brayford, Turner, Morrison, Malone; Adeyemi, Gunnarsson, Whittingham, Noone; Jones, Le Fondre

Sports Mole says: 3-2