Preview: Stoke City vs. Norwich City - prediction, team news, lineups

Norwich City face Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday evening looking to strengthen their hold of top spot in the Championship standings.

Despite sitting in seventh place, the Potters head into this fixture knowing that victory will take them above the Canaries on goals scored or goal difference.

Match preview

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When Norwich started the campaign with four points from as many games, it was suggested in some quarters that Daniel Farke's time at Carrow Road could be coming to an end.

However, rather than going stale in their first campaign back in the Championship, the Canaries have put together an eight-match unbeaten run which has taken them into first place.

While it has not always been pretty, Farke will be delighted with how his side have performed in defence after the high-profile departures of Ben Godfrey and Jamal Lewis.

Just four goals have been conceded during their undefeated streak, a record which is partly down to how Ben Gibson has rediscovered his best form after a prolonged period in the cold at Burnley.

On paper, Stoke represent Norwich's toughest game in their next half-a-dozen outings, but Farke will want his players to treat every opponent equally in a bid to extend their positive results into the Christmas period.

Their upcoming foes had begun the season seemingly favouring clean sheets over goals, but a change in approach has made Stoke one of the most entertaining sides in the Championship.

Michael O'Neill will be far from pleased with how the Potters performed in defence against Huddersfield Town at the weekend, conceding three goals for the second time in three matches.

Nevertheless, the form of Tyrese Campbell, who has contributed five goals and five assists, has kept Stoke in close proximity to the playoff places.

The Staffordshire outfit have the youngster tied down to a contract which does not expire until 2024, but the forward will inevitably attract Premier League interest in January should he maintain his current form.

Stoke and Norwich are just two of three teams, the other being Barnsley, who have posted four victories from their last six contests.

Stoke City Championship form: WLWLWW

Norwich City Championship form: WDWDWW

Team News

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With James Chester back on the substitutes' bench at the weekend, O'Neill may hand a recall to the Welsh centre-back.

Lee Gregory or Tom Ince are alternatives to Jacob Brown on the right flank, but O'Neill may opt against making too many changes for this contest.

England Under-21 international Josef Bursik is in line to remain between the sticks due to injuries to Adam Davies and Angus Gunn.

Teemu Pukki will almost certainly be recalled to the Norwich XI after only being named as a replacement at the weekend.

Barring any late fitness issues, the remainder of the team could stay the same.

Stoke City possible starting lineup: Bursik; Smith, Chester, Batth, Fox; Mikel, Clucas; Brown, Powell, Campbell; Fletcher

Norwich City possible starting lineup: Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Sorensen; Rupp, Skipp; Buendia, Steipermann, Placheta; Pukki

We say: Stoke City 1-2 Norwich City

Despite both clubs recording four wins from half-a-dozen outings, we have to edge with Norwich here. While Stoke are impressing in the final third, they look less assured at the back, and that part of their game could cost them against quality opponents.

Top betting tip