Norwich City travel to Preston North End this weekend, looking for back-to-back wins under Philippe Clement for the first time.
Norwich City got them second victory under Philippe Clement on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Southampton. Jovon Makama struck twice, either side of Ryan Manning’s equalizer, to seal the result for NCFC.
However, the decisive goal proved controversial as the ball appeared to hit Makama’s hand before finding the net. Whether intentional or not, the incident sparked angry reactions from Southampton’s players and coaching staff.
The win rounded off a good week for Norwich City, after they put in a very impressive performance in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United. However, the Canaries are still three points behind safety in 23rd place.
Their opponents this weekend Preston North End is having an excellent campaign. 21 games into the season, PNE are third in the league and punching above their weight under Paul Heckingbottom.
After securing survival on the final day of last season, PNE focused on adding more attacking threat in the summer period. A striking appearance was fullback Thierry Smallwho has impressed enough to earn a regular starting role.
Thierry Small’s 2025/26 stats
| Performances | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
| 23 | 3 | 2 | 1,502 |
Small has been a key player for Preston in their quest for the top of the table. Last time out, PNE defeated Oxford United 2-1 to remain five games unbeaten in the Championship.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“This is a real test for Norwich City. The improvements over the last few games are clearly visible, including a very good performance against Southampton, but Preston North End are a very difficult team to beat.
“Although PNE haven’t been spectacular this season, they haven’t had to be. They are having an excellent season after what has turned out to be a very smart summer transfer window.
“Having said that, I think this will be a very exciting affair. I don’t see either team walking away with it and both sides walking away with a point.”
Prediction: Preston North End 1-1 Norwich City
James Ray
“Norwich City have a big job to do as they go towards it Preston North End.
“The division’s overachievers have continued to spoil the Championship chances. PNE are deservedly in third place and are proving incredibly difficult to beat under Paul Heckingbottom.
“The same cannot be said for Norwich City. They have made progress under Clement, but they still have a long way to go before they can look up and I wouldn’t be surprised if this match reminds them of that.”
“I don’t think NCFC have enough prospects to really cause Preston any problems, so I’ll go for a home win.”
Prediction: Preston North End 2-0 Norwich City
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