Preview: Sunderland vs. Norwich City – Team News, Possible Lineups

Sunderland aims to secure consecutive victories as they host playoff-chasing Norwich City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon in a crucial Championship clash.

Sunderland’s Season So Far

Following a modest 16th-place finish last season, Sunderland is pushing for Premier League promotion for the first time since 2017. Their strong form in the current campaign has placed them fourth in the table, just two points behind Leeds United in the second automatic promotion spot.

The Black Cats are on a three-match unbeaten streak in December, highlighted by wins against Stoke City and Swansea City and a draw with Bristol City. Their thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Swansea last weekend—featuring goals from Dan Ballard, Alex Neil, and rising star Jobe Bellingham—keeps them within striking distance of the league’s top spots.

Impressively, Sunderland has remained unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this season, last losing at home in May 2024 to Sheffield Wednesday.

Norwich City’s Recent Struggles

Norwich enters the match on the back of a three-game winless run, including a 2-1 defeat to title contenders Burnley last weekend. Despite taking an early lead through José Córdoba, they conceded twice in the second half.

Currently sitting 12th in the Championship, Norwich finds themselves eight points adrift of the playoff positions. Away form has been a concern, with the Canaries earning just two wins in 11 away matches this season.

Borja Sainz, the Championship’s leading scorer with 15 goals in 21 appearances, has been a key figure for Norwich. However, he has failed to find the net in his last three outings.

Injury News

Sunderland will be without several players:

• Alan Browne (broken leg) is sidelined until April.
• Romaine Mundle (hamstring) is out until the New Year.
• Tom Watson (knee) remains unavailable.

For Norwich:

• Joshua Sargent (groin) and Liam Gibbs (hamstring) are unavailable, limiting their attacking and midfield options.

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland Possible Starting XI:
Patterson; Hume, Mepham, Ballard, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham, Roberts, Rigg, Mayenda; Isidor

Norwich City Possible Starting XI:
Gunn; Fisher, Duffy, Cordoba, Doyle; Marcondes, Nunez, Ben Slimane; Schwartau, Sainz, Crnac

Form Guide

Sunderland (last six):
Draw, Draw, Loss, Win, Draw, Win

Norwich City (last six):
Win, Win, Loss, Draw, Loss, Loss