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Norwich boss Alex Neil warns Newcastle ahead of Championship clash

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Norwich are unbeaten in their last five matches - does Alex Neil think they can squeeze into the top two?

Alex Neil believes his resurgent Norwich side can derail Newcastle's title charge when the sides meet at Carrow Road in Tuesday's Championship showdown.

The Canaries have recovered from eight defeats in 10 games to go five games unbeaten, a 5-1 thumping of Nottingham Forest last Saturday lifting them to within two points of the play-offs.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has described Neil's side as "very dangerous" and the Scot has warned that his players are aiming high as the promotion race hots up.

HULL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 29:  Rafa Benitez manager of Newcastle United and Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United in discussion following defeat in the penalty
Image: Rafa Benitez and Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle head to in-form Norwich on a busy night of Championship action

"Without doubt, we will be a match for them," Neil said. "We beat them the last time they came here in the Premier League. We were 3-1 up at their place and deservedly so.

"Going into the game, we should have every belief that if we play well we can win. We know it is going to be tough because they are a really good side, but so are we and it is who plays well on the day. If we're on our game, we can beat anyone.

"It is important we go on a good winning run. We have done it in the past. We did it the last time we went up so everyone knows we are more than capable.

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Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez says he expects Norwich to challenge them for promotion

"If we can continue this momentum, we would like to think we will be in the play-offs sooner rather than later and then we can re-adjust and have a look. Equally, if you don't win the next one, it dissipates. I think there is a belief there and that allows us to try and fulfil our potential. We are confident and we do believe."

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Newcastle head to East Anglia a point ahead of nearest rivals Brighton at the top of the table and despite having striker Dwight Gayle available after injury, Benitez is wary.

"It will be a very tough game," Benitez said.

Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring his third and Newcastle's fourth goal of the game
Image: Rafa Benitez has Dwight Gayle back after injury

"They were a candidate to win the title at the start of the season, they have everything to be at the top.

"Norwich are very dangerous. But we have to approach this game with the right mentality because it's a tough game. They're a very good team, with experience in the division. They have players with quality who know their jobs."

Follow Norwich v Newcastle and the rest of Tuesday's Sky Bet EFL action with our live blog on skysports.com and the Sky Sports apps. Watch Championnship goals as they go in on Soccer Special from 7.30pm on SSNHQ.

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