A nine-match losing streak is not the ideal preparation for Norwich City, as they prepare to host sixth-placed Everton on Saturday.
Chris Hughton's men have fallen lost their winning touch in recent times, with their latest triumph a 2-1 home win over Wigan in December - that result marking a 10-match unbeaten league run, and three straight wins on the trot.
Fast forward two months, and the Carrow Road club are within six points of the drop, and have David Moyes' well-drilled side followed by supposed champions-in-wait Manchester United to follow, making for some bleak viewing at Norwich.
Everton have had their own struggles of late, after being forced to come from behind to draw with Aston Villa, losing to Manchester United, before conceding late in an FA Cup draw with lowly League One side Oldham Athletic.
Their dropped points in their past two league outings has seen them fall six points behind Tottenham in the race for the Champions League, while they are two behind fifth-placed Arsenal.
In good news for Moyes, right-back Seamus Coleman should be fit after overcoming a hip injury, however Tony Hibbert remains sidelined by a calf problem.
Star Norwich striker Grant Holt continues to be hampered by a back complaint, although Anthony Pilkington should be ready to go after enduring a hamstring injury.
Goalkeeper John Ruddy will be out until March with a hip problem.
In their three recent competitive clashes, neither side has been able to keep a clean sheet, with score draws occurring in all three.
Norwich scored late to deny Everton in a 1-1 stalemate at Goodison Park early, while in their latest meeting at Carrow Road, the home side fought back twice for a point with Jonny Howson and Holt cancelling out two goals from Nikica Jelavic.
