Preview: Sunderland vs. Norwich City

Premier League basement dwellers Sunderland will look to close the gap to 19th-placed Fulham when they take on Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.

Sunderland have just two points from their last 15 and are in danger of losing touch with the rest of the league, although their League Cup win against Chelsea in midweek will provide encouragement.

Norwich have been picking up important wins against the sides around them in the league and with three wins from a possible six they are currently clear of immediate relegation threat.

Steven Fletcher was ill for the Chelsea win but could return to the squad for the weekend, while Jack Colback could also be recalled by Gus Poyet.

Alexander Tettey, Anthony Pilkington and Elliott Bennett remain out for Chris Hughton, who could name an unchanged lineup for the second game running.

Recent form

Sunderland: WLDLLD

Norwich: WLWLWD

Possible starting lineups

Sunderland: Mannone; Celustka, Bardsley, Brown, O'Shea; Cattermole, Ki, Johnson, Giaccherini; Borini; Altidore

Norwich: Ruddy; Whittaker, Turner, Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Howson, Johnson, Fer; Elmander, Hooper

Sports Mole says: 1-0