On Sky
SUNDERLAND host Norwich City this Sunday in what will surely prove to be one of the most important games of the season for the Black Cats, decisive in their fight to pull away from the relegation zone.
Saturday`s defeat saw Martin O`Neill`s side slip to 15th in the Barclays Premier League table, leaving the Lads just three places and six points above the drop zone.
Chris Hughton`s Canaries are just three points better off than the Black Cats and sit directly above Sunderland with just nine games to play.
The Norfolk side have won just one of their last 13 top-flight fixtures and have scored a miserly eight goals in that period which extends back to the middle of December.
Sunderland have endured a poor run of form themselves, but certainly not to the same extent that the east Anglian outfit have suffered, failing to win any of their previous six.
Pretty it seems highly unlikely to be, but Sunday`s clash at the Stadium of Light could have serious ramifications for both sides.
Vital Quotes:
Danny Rose speaks to Sunderland’s Official Site:
“We`re all disappointed, it was a game we wanted to win and if not it was certainly a game we didn`t want to lose.
“Norwich is a big game, I`m looking forward to it whether I`m in the team or not and I`m looking forward to myself and the lads bouncing back positively and hopefully getting three points.’
Sunderland Team News:
Wes Brown (knee) is out whilst Lee Cattermole (knee) is getting closer to fitness.
James McClean (illness) missed last Saturday’s defeat at Queens Park Rangers but could be ready to return to the squad.
Connor Wickham has returned from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Danny Rose returned to action at Loftus Road & could replace Jack Colback at left-back.
That would prompt a toss up for O’Neill between Colback and Seb Larsson partnering Alfred N’Diaye in midfield.
Predicted line-up
Mignolet; Gardner, O’Shea, Bramble (c), Rose; Sessegnon, N’Diaye, Colback, Johnson; Graham & Fletcher.
Player to watch: Stephane Sessegnon:
It’s obvious and boring to point out every week, but everything good that Sunderland do comes through the little Benin international.
Where we’d be without his creativity scarcely bares thinking about!
Norwich City Team News:
Anthony Pilkington (hamstring) and Andrew Surman (knee) are both doubts.
Alexander Tettey (knee) and John Ruddy (hip/thigh) are both definitely sidelined.
Predicted line-up:
Bunn; Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Snodgrass, Howson, Johnson, Hoolahan; Kamara & Holt (c).
Player to watch: Grant Holt:
The powerful forward was a target of Martin O’Neill’s last summer after handing in a transfer request at Carrow Road.
But, after sticking around, the club captain has been as important as ever in his side’s battle to retain their Premier League status, top-scoring with five goals.
Match Facts & Stats:
9 – Sunderland have not won at Norwich in nine attempts.
27 – Number of years since the Black Cats won at Carrow Road in the league.
1 – Number of goals Norwich are averaging per Barclays Premier League match.
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr C Foy.
Assistants: Mr P Bankes & Mr S Beck.
Fourth Official: Mr A Taylor.
Match Prediction:
A low-scoring bore draw which does neither side any good.
Why Sky Sports picked this as a game to air is beyond me!
Next Fixtures:
The little matter of a visit from Manchester United…
