Premier League preview: Norwich v Fulham

Fulham travel to Carrow Road on Saturday looking to overhaul Norwich City, who sit just two points above them on the Premier League table.

After a 5-1 loss to Manchester City earlier this month, Norwich had been unbeaten in three games – defeating Newcastle United 4-2 and drawing 1-1 and 2-2 with Everton and Wolves respectively – until Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Grant Holt and Steve Morison have accounted for 13 of the Canaries’ 27 goals so far and will be looking to add to their tallies against a Fulham side still missing first-choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who is out with a thoracic spine injury until January.

Left-back Marc Tierney sat out against Spurs with a groin strain sustained at training and looks unlikely to be risked against Martin Jol’s side. Adam Drury slotted in for Tierney and is expected to keep his place.

Tottenham loanee Kyle Naughton should be back for Norwich after sitting out against Spurs.

Paul Lambert’s team have picked up four of their five league wins at home and he will be keen to add three valuable points against a side on the lower half of the table.

After a 1-0 home win over Liverpool, Fulham has had a mixed run of results, with a 2-0 win over Bolton sandwiched between 2-0 and 5-0 losses to Swansea City and Manchester United. Norwich came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Boxing Day.

David Stockdale has been in inspired form deputising for the injured Schwarzer and was exceptional against Chelsea, keeping the Blues at bay with vital saves.

Clint Dempsey has been impressive for Fulham all season and his latest goal against Chelsea brings his tally to six with four assists in 18 games.

Former Twente striker Bryan Ruiz has taken some time to settle into the pace of the Premier League with only two goals and assists so far.

However, after his stunner against Bolton and an impressive outing against Chelsea, Fulham will be hoping he will be the difference between the two sides.