Premier League: Norwich v Reading match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Carrow Road

Norwich players were furious after the final whistle at Arsenal after seeing the points snatched away (GETTY IMAGES)

Norwich will be keen to dispel any suggestion that they are involved in a relegation battle, heading into the season’s home straight. The Canaries welcome rock-bottom Reading to Carrow Road on Saturday, knowing victory will pull them clear of the drop zone.

But last week’s last-gasp defeat at The Emirates marked a sixth game without a win for Norwich. An impressive home victory over Everton proved a false dawn for Chris Hughton’s men, who have claimed all three points on just one occasion since the turn of the year.

Despite the looming prospect of an immediate return to the Championship, Reading make the trip to East Anglia buoyed by last week’s draw against Liverpool. That point marked Nigel Adkins’ first since taking over at the Berkshire club, when a string of fine saves from Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy ensured the Royals will not be going down without a display of fighting spirit. 

KICK-OFF:Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Reading 0 Norwich 0, Premier League, November 2012

Norwich 2 (Lansbury, Holt) Reading 1 (Long), Championship, February 2011

Reading 3 (Harte, Hunt, Long) Norwich 3 (R Martin, Holt, C Martin), Championship, November 2010

STATS…

The Canaries are unbeaten in their last six home games.

Reading have lost just one of their last seven league meetings with Norwich (W4 D2).

No side has had more goalless draws in the Premier League than Norwich City (6).

Reading are 10 points from safety with five games remaining, a deficit which has never been overturned in Premier League history.

ODDS…

Norwich to win: 1.77

Reading to win: 3.8

Draw: 5.6

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.