Norwich City are still favourites to secure promotion despite their recent poor form, according to EFL pundit Caroline Barker.

The Canaries have been sitting at the top of the Championship for much of the season so far after suffering relegation last term.

However the last week or so has seen the Canaries dealt a real feeling of anxiety.

Including the FA Cup defeat to Barnsley Norwich are on a run of four matches without a win in all competitions - a run that has seen Brentford and Swansea City close the gap on the league leaders.

That run has coincided with Emi Buendia's suspension following his sending off against Middlesbrough, but according to Barker, the return of the playmaker should see the Canaries get back to winning ways before long.

Speaking on the Sky Sports EFL Podcast, Barker said: "It’s all about their quarter-back, Emi Buendia. When he comes back they’ll be okay.

“Todd Cantwell is no Emi Buendia. Norwich just don’t seem to adjust when Buendia isn’t there.

“He’s the missing link.

“If he stays fit and he isn’t injured or suspended then I still think that Norwich will go up but you look at Brentford now and think that, overall, they’re the side that will be there as well.

“Swansea are balanced and settled. The games where they have to be a bit gritty and gnarly they have been and they’ve got through them and that’s the difference at the moment.

“They’re just finding a way.”

 

 

The verdict

There's no doubt that Norwich City will get themselves back on track.

The Canaries look like the real deal this term and while recent results have been poor, they have the quality to finish the job of securing promotion.

Emi Buendia will be key in doing that, but as far as I'm concerned I think that promotion is there for them to lose.