EFL review: Norwich City and Ipswich Town on mission to topple Championship's top two

Newcastle United (left) and Brighton and Hove Albion (right) will present tough opposition for our teams tonight. Credit: PA

Norwich City manager Alex Neil insists his team won't be distracted by thoughts of revenge when they take on Championship leaders Newcastle United tonight.

The Canaries capitulated in dramatic fashion in the reverse fixture at St James' Park in September, conceding twice in stoppage time to lose 4-3.

The defeat seemed to knock Norwich's confidence as they slipped into mid-table while Newcastle went from strength to strength, but Neil says everyone has now moved on.

"The fact that we lost that game (against Newcastle), once the game was done - the game was done," Neil said.

"None of that will have any bearing on this game. We just want to win the game, equally so do Newcastle, and it's going to be a tough match."

Dwight Gayle broke Norwich's hearts back in September. Credit: PA

Neil did confirm that Norwich have injury doubts over "three or four" unnamed players, but midfielder Alex Tettey is back in contention after serving a two-match ban.

Newcastle top scorer Dwight Gayle, who scored a hat-trick against Norwich in the last meeting between the clubs, is back for Rafa Benítez's men having sat out the last few games with a hamstring injury.

Norwich City v Newcastle United, Sky Bet Championship, Tuesday 14 February, 19:45

Emyr Huws scored the winner at Villa Park. Credit: Tim Goode/EMPICS Sport

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town will be hoping to back-up their impressive win at Aston Villa with another success on the road at second-placed Brighton.

Despite the victory at Villa Park, Town will be seen as the underdogs against Chris Hughton's side, but McCarthy is adamant another three points isn't out of the question.

"I'd have taken two draws (against Aston Villa and Brighton), of course I would," McCarthy said.

"We've already got three out of it which is great but I don't want to settle for that. I want to go down to Brighton and get something and so do the players.

"They've been encouraged by the performances and certainly by that result on Saturday."

Brighton are currently second in The Championship. Credit: PA

Ipswich will be be without defenders Steven Taylor and Christophe Berra through injury, while Cole Skuse will also be missing.

Brighton don't have any fresh injury concerns, but left-back Gaëtan Bong will be assessed before kick-off.

Brighton and Hove Albion v Ipswich Town, Sky Bet Championship, Tuesday 14 February, 19:45

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Justin Edinburgh's Northampton Town side face Swindon later. Credit: PA

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