High-flying Norwich City make the trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley in a Championship showdown on Friday night.
The two teams, who were competing together in the Premier League last season, are separated by only three points in the second-tier standings at present, with the Canaries in second and the Clarets further back in fifth.
Burnley were unable to claim their fourth successive victory across all competitions last Friday, as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw away at West Bromwich Albion.
Jay Rodriguez converted from the penalty spot to put the Clarets in front on the half-hour mark, and they were seemingly on course to claim maximum points until a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser from Baggies debutant Brandon Thomas-Asante snatched a point at the death.
After what was their ninth game of the season so far, manager Vincent Kompany admitted that his players showed signs of tiredness for the first time this term, and he was pleased to come away with a point as only one of West Brom’s 23 shots on goal found the net.
Burnley, who sit four points adrift of league leaders Sheffield United, have now had a week’s rest before facing three games in nine days, with arguably one of their toughest fixtures coming up next against an in-form Norwich outfit.
The Clarets failed to score or win against the Canaries in the Premier League last season, but they are unbeaten in each of their last seven league meetings against them at Turf Moor, including six victories and one draw.
While Burnley missed out on extending their winning streak, Norwich have now won each of their last five Championship matches after securing a comfortable 3-0 victory at home to Coventry City last weekend.
Teemu Pukki and Josh Sargent both found the net in the first half before Kieran Dowell wrapped up the three points with a close-range strike in the 81st minute.
Norwich initially struggled to hit the ground running following their 20th-placed finish in the Premier League last term, but Dean Smith’s side now seem to have found their groove and have put themselves back into the promotion picture.
Spirits are high among the Canaries camp and they will be motivated by the prospect of momentarily climbing to the top of the Championship with a victory at Burnley on Friday.
However, Norwich have only won two of their last 20 visits to Turf Moor – a 5-3 second-tier victory back in April 2004 and a 2-1 win in the FA Cup fourth round in January 2020.
Burnley Championship form:
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Norwich City Championship form:
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We say: Burnley 1-1 Norwich City
Victory for either side at Turf Moor would send a message to the rest of the league as to their promotion credentials, although a tight affair could be on the cards on Friday.
Burnley have already drawn three of their opening four home games this term and we can see the points being shared once again in Lancashire.