Premier League preview: Norwich v Fulham

Norwich host Fulham on Saturday in
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a battle of mid-table Premier League battlers.

Neither side looks to have the quality to make a concerted effort to break into the top eight of the league table so plugging away to stave off the threat of relegation would appear to be their missions for the remaining 13 matches.

Both clubs are on 28 points, with Fulham in 13th courtesy of a better goal difference over 14th-placed Norwich.

The home side have been in good form at Carrow Road this season, winning five and drawing four of their 12 league matches.

Fulham, on the other hand, have been less than impressive on the road with just two wins and six defeats away from Craven Cottage.

But Martin Jol’s men have the advantage of winning their home match on the opening day of the season against Norwich – a 5-0 victory with Mladen Petric scoring twice on his debut.

International commitments will come into consideration for both sides as returning players report back after midweek matches.

Norwich striker Robert Snodgrass is hoping he can successfully combine his performances at club level with playing for Scotland.

“I’m happy with how I’ve been playing but I always want more,” he said.

“I’ve scored five goals but I really should have had 10 or 12.

“I’ve had some good chances but unfortunately they all seem to be landing on my head – which isn’t the strongest part of my game.”

Norwich manager Chris Hughton will be nervously awaiting reports on the fitness of Anthony Pilkington.

City midfielder Pilkington was poised to earn his first senior cap for the Republic of Ireland before picking up a hamstring injury in the early stages of the 0-0 draw at QPR last weekend.

But Hughton may give an early baptism to new signing Kei Kamara.

The Sierra Leone international and Sporting Kansas striker has joined Norwich on loan until the end of the season.

Jol will be without influential striker Dimitar Berbatov who is struggling to overcome a hamstring problem which forced him to limp off against West Ham.

And key defender Brede Hangeland will miss after damaging his Achilles against Manchester United.

Steve Sidwell, Mahamadou Diarra (both knee), Kerim Frei (groin) and Kieran Richardson (calf) also miss out, while new signings Stanislav Manolev and Eyong Enoh are still awaiting work permits.

Loan signing Urby Emanuelson is expected to make the trip to Norwich after making his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.