David Prutton delivers prediction for Middlesbrough vs Norwich City, outlines 'massive' factor

Neil Warnock’s men have lost three of their last four matches in the Championship, and find themselves three points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth having played one game more.

Boro have dropped points in consecutive matches to Blackburn Rovers and Rotherham United, slumping to a 3-0 loss against the latter in midweek.

By contrast, the Canaries have won their last three on the bounce in the league, and have opened up a six-point gap at the summit of the table.

Daniel Farke’s side did, however, suffer a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Barnsley in the FA Cup last weekend, but were missing a number of key players for the clash at Oakwell.

Looking ahead to Saturday's game at Carrow Road, Prutton believes that the league leaders can return to winning ways.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Three more wins on the trot for Norwich, and a very healthy gap that looks like it is only getting bigger.

"As we approach the closure of the window it looks as though they will be keeping all their star men too, which is massive for them.

“Middlesbrough have had a poor week, losing at home to Blackburn and Rotherham in games they would have expected to pick up points from.

"They need to bounce back, but they won't be doing it here. Home win.”

Prutton has predicted that Boro will lose 2-0 in Norfolk.