Norwich City v Sunderland: match preview

Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: The Guardian

This is the type of game the phrase six-pointer was created for but the Friendship Trophy is more important for Sunderland, who would pull within a point of Norwich with victory. A win for Alex Neil’s team will give them at least a six-point cushion from the relegation zone – possibly more depending on events at St James’ Park – with four games to go. Newcastle, for once, will be hoping their local rivals win. Alan Smith

Kick-off Saturday 12.45pm

Venue Carrow Road

Last season n/a

Live BT Sport 1

Referee Andre Marriner

This season G20, Y74, R5, 3.95 cards per game

Odds H 7-5 A 9-4 D 12-5

Norwich City

Subs from Rudd, Bassong, Martin, Jarvis, Hoolahan, Jerome, Bamford, Mulumbu, Pinto

Doubtful Klose (knee)

Injured Tettey (ankle, unknown)

Suspended None

Form LLDWWL

Discipline Y57 R3

Leading scorers Mbokani, Redmond 5

Sunderland

Subs from Pickford, O’Shea, Jones, Larsson, Rodwell, Watmore, Toivonen, N’Doye, Lens

Doubtful None

Injured None

Suspended None

Form LDDDDL

Discipline Y55 R2

Leading scorer Defoe 12