League leaders Norwich face a tough battle at in-form Queens Park Rangers

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Norwich City will be keen to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats as they visit Queens Park Rangers with promotion insight for Daniel Farke’s men.

The Canaries have recently suffered a small dip in form compared to their usual high standards, defeats against Bournemouth and promotion rivals Watford have ensured that the title is not theirs just yet, despite their five-point advantage.

As for QPR, they are one of the most in-form team’s since the turn of the year as they have claimed 41 points, the third-best in the league behind both Watford and Norwich. Mark Warburton’s side beat play-off candidates Swansea in midweek after Lyndon Dykes scored minutes before the final whistle.

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The hosts, QPR, don’t have anything to play for this season with their status in the league solidified but they have not shown any sign of taking their foot off the gas. A few key players have started to emerge within the squad as they aim to build ahead of an expected push next season.

The visitors, Norwich, have already been confirmed to be playing Premier League football next year, the club has been scintillating to watch at times with their attacking philosophy. Emi Buendía stood out for many, claiming 29 goal contributions showcasing his threat from anywhere on the pitch.

The two sides met earlier in the season at Carrow Road, it was an open game with both teams looking to play attacking football. It was the first bit of momentum QPR gained since the start of the year as they picked up a valuable 1-1 draw.

Norwich started the game the better of the two sides but despite their pressure, a resolute Seny Dieng came to the rescue on multiple occasions to keep the two sides level. The breakthrough came when Todd Cantwell went down under minimal contact from Dominic Ball, the referee pointed to the spot and Teemu Pukki did the rest, dispatching from the spot.

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The game looked like it was petering to an end before Bright Osayi-Samuel won a vital penalty for QPR, the Nigerian winger stepped up and converted as Warburton’s side levelled.

Osayi-Samuel should have won it for the Hoops in stoppage time but somehow lifted the ball over from point-blank range after being set up by substitute Albert Adomah, a point was still a good result but it clearly could have been all three after the game for Warburton’s side.

Team News

Warburton will be without Tom Carroll, Luke Amos and Charlie Owens with their respective injuries, while Jordy de Wijs, Geoff Cameron are both doubts ahead of the fixture.

Lee Wallace should return to the side after taking a game out against Swansea, Seny Dieng will return to the squad after serving his one-match suspension.

The only major miss for Norwich is left-back Dimitris Giannoulis who remains suspended so Xavi Quintilla should deputise again at left-back, although Jacob Sorensen is also an option.

Despite losing their last two matches, it’s unlikely that Farke will make any drastic changes to his side ahead of the fixture at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

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