Norwich City and Hull City square off in the Championship on Saturday looking to each put together improved seasons during 2023-24.

The Canaries and Tigers finished in the bottom half of the standings at the end of the last campaign, having to settle for 13th and 15th spot respectively.

Match preview

As pre-season favourites 12 months ago, Norwich had been expected to earn an immediate return to the Premier League, but it soon became apparent that the Canaries would not last the pace.

While there were positives that came from David Wagner's arrival in January, it was nowhere near enough to secure a playoff spot and Norwich eventually finished seven points short of the top six.

Some influential figures have departed this summer, including club legend Teemu Pukki, but a fresh start is exactly what this club needs in preparation of a tougher promotion race.

Jack Stacey, Shane Duffy and Ashley Barnes have the potential to be difference makers at both ends of the pitch, yet the real excitement comes from the recent acquisition of winger Christian Fassnacht.

Norwich fans also have reason for optimism after the club's pre-season campaign, with four wins and three draws being posted during a schedule that included games against the likes of AZ Alkmaar, Toulouse and Olympiacos.

Although these clubs are of contrasting statures, Hull find themselves in a similar spot with Liam Rosenior, like his opposite number, preparing for his first full season with his respective team.

A 15th-placed finish and 14 points clear of the relegation zone was more than acceptable for the Tigers in 2022-23, but the owners are known to be targeting the Premier League.

Whether such a bid materialises remains to be seen, yet Hull fans can be excited about the additions of left-sided player Ruben Vinagre and forward Liam Delap.

Like Norwich, Hull have also come through pre-season without suffering a defeat, even with teams such as Galatasaray, Hatayspor and Nantes on their calendar.