After securing promotion on Saturday, Norwich City now have an opportunity to clinch the Championship title against fellow automatic promotion hopefuls Watford on Tuesday night.
The Hornets won the reverse fixture 1-0 on Boxing Day and have won four of their last five fixtures against the Canaries. But defeat for the Hertfordshire side at Carrow Road could open the door for Swansea and Brentford to close the gap to second place.
Team News
Daniel Farke raised concerns over the fitness of Grant Hanley, Teemu Pukki, and Todd Cantwell in his pre-match duties. Hanley suffered a swollen ankle against Bournemouth on Saturday but continued to play the full 90 minutes. Pukki was substituted off due to a hit on the knee. Meanwhile, Cantwell has reported some issues, so also remains a doubt.
However, Farke is hopeful all three will be available. The German coach will be without Greek full-back Dimitris Giannoulis’ following his red card. Norwich have confirmed they have appealed the decision but his suspension will not be overturned before this match.
Longer-term absentees include Michael McGovern, Sam Byram, Christoph Zimmerman, Ben Gibson, and Lukas Rupp. Adam Idah is unlikely to feature but would be available if required.
Watford will be without Kiko Femenia after the defender was sent off against Luton for a second yellow card. They remain hopeful that Nathaniel Chalobah will be back, with the midfielder failing a late fitness test before the trip to Kenilworth Road. Likewise, Adam Masina was taken ill in the warmup, so his availability remains unknown.
Troy Deeney and Tom Dele-Bashiru both remain out.
Form
Both teams come into the fixture off the back of a rare Championship defeat. The 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth was the Canaries first defeat since early February. Previously, the Norfolk side had enjoyed an unbeaten run that spanned 13 matches. Additionally, it was the first defeat at Carrow Road since October against Derby County.
Watford lost to bitter rivals Luton Town. Similarly to Norwich they had only lost once in their previous 14 games before Saturday. However, the Hornets have struggled on the road this season, winning only seven matches.
Key Men
Emi Buendia has arguably been the standout player for Norwich so far this season, with his performances catching the eye of Premier League clubs. The Argentinian midfielder should deservedly take his place in the Championship team of the season.
13 goals and 15 assists to his name, he will be hoping to add to his tally in this fixture. Buendia did score against the Hornets in the Premier League at Vicarage Road last season.
Ismaila Sarr is the other standout young Championship star attracting high praise from fans and pundits. The winger has scored 12 goals and notched 4 assists so far this term, including the winner against Norwich earlier this season. With Norwich struggling with defensive injuries and suspensions, Watford fans will hope Sarr can deliver once again.
Prediction
Watford still have slim aspirations of claiming the Championship title, however, they must win at Carrow Road to keep the dream alive. Norwich City know a victory will secure the title with three games left to play. Despite this, a draw seems favourable for this game.
Norwich 1-1 Watford
The Championship Crowd Podcast
For previews, reviews, and greater insight into the latest Championship news, then be sure to listen to this week’s Championship Crowd Podcast. This week we are joined by a Watford fan to discuss this fixture and the end of the season.
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