Norwich v Cardiff. Match preview

Last updated : 14 April 2018 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphpBDC4.tmpNorwich will check on forward Marley Watkins following his recent illness ahead of the visit of Sky Bet Championship promotion chasers Cardiff.

Winger Onel Hernandez has been sidelined since before Easter because of a hamstring problem, so he will also be assessed. Canaries boss Daniel Farke made four changes for the midweek draw at struggling Sunderland, but could again revert to a back three with Timm Klose coming into the heart of the defence while midfielder Alex Tettey may return to the starting XI after being an unused substitute.

Marco Stiepermann is stepping up his recovery from a hernia, while winger Matt Jarvis continues his rehabilitation from a long-term ankle injury, along with midfielders Tom Trybull (ankle/knee) and Louis Thompson (Achilles).

Cardiff head to Norfolk on the back of successive defeats which has seen them drop out of the automatic promotion places behind in-form Fulham. Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock made two changes for the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Tuesday night, with midfielders Marko Grujic and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing both returning to the starting line-up.

Defender Callum Paterson had been sidelined after taking a knock to the chest, so continues to be assessed. Midfielder Joe Ralls has been out since the end of February with a hamstring problem but is closing in on a return while defender Jazz Richards (ankle) also continues his recovery.

Opta stats

Norwich have lost just one of their last 13 home matches against Cardiff in all competitions (W9 D3), a 2-1 defeat in September 2007.

Cardiff have never completed a league double over Norwich in the 25 previous league seasons they've faced them but won 3-1 earlier this season.

Norwich haven't won back to back home league matches since September, when they beat QPR and Birmingham.

Cardiff haven't won any of their last 11 away Championship matches in April (D4 L7) since a 2-1 win at Leeds in April 2015.

The Canaries are unbeaten in their last 10 home league matches against sides from Wales (W6 D4), with Swansea the last to win at Carrow Road in November 2008.

Neil Warnock has lost seven of his last nine away league visits to Carrow Road, winning the other two.

Match officials

Referee: TIM ROBINSON
Assistants: McGrath and Mark Jones
Fourth Official: Gavin Ward