Norwich City play their first game since the sacking of Dean Smith by playing host to Reading on Friday evening.

Despite the clubs sitting in fifth and eighth place respectively, they are locked on the same points in the Championship standings.

Match preview

Given the crowd reaction to defeat to Blackburn Rovers on December 17, the writing felt on the wall for Smith even before Norwich made the trip to Luton Town on Boxing Day.

While a 1-1 draw may have brought him some time, conceding a late winner while having a player advantage would have the opposite effect, the Canaries board opting to part ways the following day.

Despite remaining in fifth position in the second tier, Smith can have few complaints after nine defeats from 24 games and just four wins from the last 15 matches.

At a time when just three points separate Norwich and 16th place, Norwich are about to participate in a crucial part of their season, automatic promotion already looking unlikely due to the relentlessness of Burnley and Sheffield United.

Norwich head into their latest fixture at Carrow Road having lost four of their last six home games, their most recent success coming versus Stoke City at the end of October.

Before the start of the season, Norwich were one of the favourites for the title and Reading an obvious choice for relegation, but the Royals are remarkably level on points with their hosts.

Paul Ince would have been widely praised for simply keeping Reading in the Championship for another year, yet his side have collected 35 points from their 24 games.

On Tuesday, Reading made it three wins in four outings, posting a 2-1 success over Swansea City to make it 25 points from 12 games at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

However, while Ince has witnessed his team lose eight of their 12 games away from their Berkshire home, he may sense that this is an opportunity to improve their return as they bid to maintain their unlikely promotion bid.

Team News

Interim managers Steve Weaver and Allan Russell may revert to a back four with Norwich having unsuccessfully used a three at Luton.

Andrew Omobamidele could be the player to drop out, potentially allowing for Onel Hernandez to feature in the final third.

Isaac Hayden may also come back into central midfield as a replacement for Liam Gibbs, but Aaron Ramsey and Todd Cantwell are unlikely to return from injury.

While Ince has options available if he wishes to freshen up his Reading XI, it is plausible that the same team could be named.

Amadou Salif Mbengue and Baba Rahman are alternatives in defensive areas if Ince wishes to make a change.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Giannoulis; Sara, Hayden, McLean; Hernandez, Pukki, Sargent

Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Yiadom, Holmes, Sarr; Hoilett, Hendrick, Loum, McIntyre; Ince, Meite; Carroll

We say: Norwich City 1-1 Reading

Given the recent developments at Carrow Road, this is a difficult match to predict. With Reading able to overtake their hosts with victory in East Anglia, Norwich may be more than satisfied with earning a share of the spoils should the game be competitive.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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