Norwich City have fallen short in recent times and find themselves five points off the automatic promotion places in the Championship, but they will be hoping to seal back-to-back wins when they host third-placed QPR.
The Canaries had embarked upon a winless run stretching to six games prior to Saturday’s home match against Stoke City, but a comfortable 3-1 win has alleviated some of the pressure that was building on manager Dean Smith.
He is hoping to keep up their excellent run at this level where they have won the title on each of the past two occasions they have competed.
QPR are having a great season under newbie manager Mick Beale and are third, currently three points behind Blackburn Rovers in the second automatic promotion spot.
However, they were beaten at the weekend, surprisingly going down 2-0 at Birmingham City.
Norwich vs QPR Betting Tips
Team news
Dean Smith made big changes to his side for the game against Stoke on Saturday and he could be tempted to name an unchanged side owing to the strength of the performance.
Max Aarons and Todd Cantwell are among those hoping to earn recalls to the side, while Josh Sargent will try to shake off a niggling calf injury.
Kenny McLean returns to the squad after serving a three-match ban for his red card against Luton Town.
QPR forward Tyler Roberts won’t play again until the start of the World Cup after being withdrawn from Friday’s game with a recurrence of a calf issue.
Jake Clarke-Salter and Stefan Johansen are also injury doubts, with Rob Dickie and Luke Amos primed to deputise.
Norwich to win and both teams to score @ 11/4
Even though Norwich have not been in good form recently, they should still fancy themselves to beat QPR and three points would see them move above the R’s in the Championship standings.
The Canaries, in spite of their poor recent run, are still very much in contention and they can bank on their home form, which has seen them lose only two of their nine games so far this season.
They also have a good recent record against QPR, not losing any of the last four meetings with three of them being wins.
There is no question that QPR have had an excellent season so far, but two poor away performances in losses to Luton and Birmingham have put the brakes on slightly.
Injuries are beginning to affect the R’s too, meaning City could have the upper hand here.
Teemu Pukki to score anytime @ 11/8
This hasn’t yet been a vintage campaign for Pukki – the Finn has scored only six goals in 18 appearances for the Canaries so far this season.
However, he is still a big-game player and has popped up with some decisive goals – he scored a brace in the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United and also netted the winning goal at Blackpool.
Pukki has also scored four in his four games against QPR.
