Norwich City will 'speak less, work more' as they bid to be the party-poopers to Preston North End's play-off dreams in Saturday's crunch top-six clash at Deepdale. 

City travel to Lancashire knowing that victory would see them move eight points clear of Preston with three games remaining, making it a must-win for Ryan Lowe's side to keep their ambitions alive. 

Lowe refused to play down the significance of the clash in his media commitments after their 4-1 victory over Huddersfield in midweek, describing it as 'one of the biggest' games of his tenure to date. 

David Wagner believes his side will be completely prepared for what is set to come their way at Deepdale. 

"What should he say, to be fair? It's clear: if they do not win, then it's very, very difficult [for them]. For us, it is clear - we want to continue to perform and get points," Wagner said when asked about Lowe's comments. 

"If he makes it the biggest game for him or them, then all good. If he likes to put this pressure on his team, then all good. Whatever he thinks - we will be there on Saturday.

"I've never lost an away game where I felt we could afford to be on the back foot and enjoy the afternoon - this is always the same.

"I ask us to do what we've done in recent weeks - speak less, work more and be humble.

"We know where we come from in November and it's absolutely outstanding what the players have done and the position they have brought this football club into. We are going to try to invest everything to keep our position." 

Norwich are hoping to respond to a disappointing setback against struggling Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. 

Wagner feels the challenge they faced in the second half against the Owls, coupled with their experience of matches that have held real significance in recent weeks, will serve them well in dealing with the occasion at Deepdale. 

Norwich Evening News: Preston North End need to beat Norwich City to keep their top six dreams alive.Preston North End need to beat Norwich City to keep their top six dreams alive. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

"We know exactly what we will face. If there is one proper British team in the Championship, it's Preston," Wagner said. 

"They are physically direct, compete for long balls, second balls, set-pieces, throw-ins and do it at a very high level. They are a top team who are competing for the play-offs. This speaks for itself.

"For us, it is another big challenge and, to be totally honest, we have experienced a few in recent weeks and months."