Norwich City play host to Sunderland on Sunday afternoon looking to strengthen their hold of a Championship playoff spot.
At a time when the Canaries occupy sixth position in the standings, Sunderland are down in 11th place after suffering three successive defeats.
Match preview
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When Norwich appointed David Wagner as their new head coach at the turn of the year, some supporters would have had their reservations, but the former Huddersfield Town boss is working wonders at Carrow Road.
As many as nineteen points have been recorded from his nine league games in charge, the most recent of six wins coming at the home to promotion rivals Millwall last weekend.
The Canaries overcome an early deficit to run out 3-2 victors at The Den, moving themselves one point ahead of their hosts in the final playoff spot.
Although Wagner will appreciate that was only a minor battle won in the grand scheme of things, it felt like a necessary triumph for a team that is building momentum.
While Norwich are on a five-match unbeaten streak ahead of welcoming Sunderland to East Anglia, their upcoming opponents have been experience contrasting fortunes.
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Ever since a last-gasp Bristol City penalty denied Sunderland maximum points on February 18, Tony Mowbray's side have wilted, losing three matches in a row.
After 2-1 defeats at Rotherham United and Coventry City respectively, the Black Cats were embarrassed by Stoke City - managed by former boss Alex Neil - last weekend.
The Potters ran riot at the Stadium of Light, scoring five times during a 35-minute period either side of half time, and a chorus of boos accompanied the latter goals finding the back of the net.
With Sunderland now six points adrift of the playoffs, Mowbray is aware that his side cannot afford to lose to a direct rival on Sunday, especially when they may have dropped down to 12th depending on how Preston North End fare versus Cardiff City.
Team News
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Barring any injury issues, Wagner may look to select the same Norwich XI from last weekend, particularly when no substitutions were made until the 87th minute.
Arsenal loanee Marquinhos is expected to remain among the replacements, but Josh Sargent may push for a return to the squad after an ankle injury.
In sharp contrast, changes to the Sunderland starting lineup are highly likely, even if Joe Gelhardt should retain his spot in attack.
Edouard Michut and Luke O'Nien may be recalled in central midfield, while Lynden Gooch and Dennis Cirkin could be named in the squad after injury and concussion.
Abdoullah Ba is an option for Mowbray if he wishes to tinker with his attacking quartet.
Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Giannoulis; Hernandez, Sorensen, McLean, Sara, Idah; Pukki
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; Hume, Ballard, Batth, Cirkin; Michut, O'Nien; Diallo, Roberts, Clarke; Gelhardt
We say: Norwich City 2-0 Sunderland
While Sunderland fans will hope that their team cannot perform any worse than last weekend, there will be an acknowledgment that this is one of the most toughest fixtures in the Championship right now. All things considered, Norwich should cruise this contest, potentially with a goal in each half.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
