Norwich City manager Daniel Farke with his players. (Getty Images)
Norwich City take on Preston North End in an important game for both teams, in what is expected to be a rather interesting end to the Championship season. With just 15 games to go, the Canaries lead second-place Leeds United by a mere two points.
While a large majority of the campaign has seen Marcelo Bielsa and his side lead the table, the Peacocks failed to beat Daniel Farke’s men and surrendered the top spot. Now with Leeds United playing Swansea City midweek in a tricky match, both sides have ties that could go either way.
That’s simply because Preston North End have seen their form pick up in recent weeks. They are unbeaten in their last five league games, with three wins to their name. Meanwhile, Norwich are also unbeaten in their last five and have three wins to their name.
This adds to the fun and drama, with both sides looking to keep their run going. History does favour the Canaries, with Preston’s last win against them coming all the way back in 2016.
Defender Timm Klose is still ruled out with a knee injury, along with Moritz Leitner, Louis Thompson and Carlton Morris.
Manager Daniel Farke does, however, have Alex Tettey after he did return from injury, playing the last two games off the bench and could start along with deadline day signing Philipp Heise.
The former Newcastle United man is one of only four players to have made 30 or more appearances this season and should keep his place against Preston.
The 29-year-old right-back has made only 5 appearances all season and should be given a chance to impress the manager.
With Timm Klose out injured, Godfrey has done relatively well as a centre-back, despite being a defensive midfielder and should keep his place in the line-up.
The second player to make more than 30 appearances this season, Zimmermann also should keep his place in the starting eleven.
While the game against Ipswich Town was too early for Heise to make an appearance, the midweek game does allow manager Farke to rotate his line-up and hand the German his debut.
While Tettey has only just returned from injury, the 32-year-old should make his first start in quite some time, after two back-to-back off the bench appearances.
The 29-year-old Vrancic was on the score-sheet against Ipswich Town with a brace, and manager Daniel Farke would want him to continue his good run of form.
This could be the chance for young Todd Cantwell to make an impression. While the 20-year-old has made multiple appearances off the bench, he could be in line for a start.
The third player to play 30 or more appearances this season, Stiepermann has been Norwich City’s creative spark this season with seven assists and should keep his place.
The Cuban international has struggled in recent games, and yet could be given another chance to show why Farke has so much faith in him.
There really isn’t any other option for Norwich City and even if there was, there is no chance manager Daniel Farke will bench his top and in-form goal-scorer.