4-3-3, Nunez in: The predicted Norwich City XI to face Luton Town on Boxing Day | OneFootball

The Canaries were beaten 2-0 by fellow promotion contenders Blackburn Rovers at Carrow Road on Saturday, with Ben Gibson’s own goal and Tyrhys Dolan’s deflected strike giving the third-placed visitors all three points.

Manager Dean Smith is coming into the game under huge pressure after a run of poor performances and results, with chants calling for him to be sacked during the game against Rovers and vociferous boos greeting the final whistle, but the club seem to be sticking by the 51-year-old for now at least.

City currently sit fifth in the table, one point clear of seven-placed Preston North End, but more significantly they are nine points behind second-placed Sheffield United and 12 behind leaders Burnley, falling short of the high expectations of the fan base, with many expecting another automatic promotion challenge.

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Their opponents Luton are 15th in the table, but have not played for two weeks after their game against Millwall last weekend fell victim to the weather.

Last time out, the Hatters suffered late heartbreak in Rob Edwards’ first game in charge in a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, with Matt Crooks’ stoppage-time winner for Boro denying the 10-man visitors what would have been a hard-earned away point.

Despite their league standing, Luton are only four points off the play-offs in an incredibly tight division and Edwards will be looking to pick up his first points here since replacing Nathan Jones last month.

Smith confirmed that he for the clash, while Jacob Sorensen is a longer-term absentee.

Here’s how the Canaries could line up…

Angus Gunn has established himself as Smith’s number one in recent weeks and while the experienced Tim Krul will be pushing for a recall, Gunn should retain his place between the sticks.

Max Aarons will start at right-back, Andrew Omobamidele is back on the bench after injury and after Gibson’s own goal last weekend, he could reclaim his place alongside captain Grant Hanley here, with Sam McCallum completing the back four at left-back.

Isaac Hayden has been a regular since his comeback from injury and he should be partnered by Kenny McLean again, while Marcelino Nunez could replace Gabriel Sara in midfield. Nunez was returned as a substitute against Rovers following a hamstring injury and with Sara struggling for form, he could make way.

Danel Sinani has played on the right wing in recent weeks and is likely to continue here, with top-scorer Josh Sargent on the opposite flank and Teemu Pukki up front.