Premier League: Sunderland v Norwich match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light

Ki Sung-Yong of Sunderland celebrates scoring the winning goal (Getty Images)

Rock-bottom Sunderland welcome Chris Hughton’s Norwich to the North East on Saturday as they attempt to try and close the gap on the teams just above them in the relegation zone.

The Black Cats will be buoyed heading into this game following their extra-time victory over Chelsea in the League Cup on Tuesday night. They will be hoping that they can end of their run of five games without a Premier League victory and begin their fight for survival.

Lee Cattermole had a starring role for Sunderland during midweek and he will be hoping he can continue his fine form following his return to the starting line-up after he was suspended for three games following his sending off against Hull.

The Canaries head into this game on a decent run having lost only once in their last four matches. Gary Hooper has two goals in his last four games and he will be hoping he can to his tally at the weekend.

With nine points separating the two teams, Norwich will be looking to increase that gap and continue to pull away from the relegation zone.

KICK-OFF:Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Sunderland 1 (Gardner) Norwich 1 (Hoolahan), Premier League, March 2013

Norwich 2 (Bassong, Pilkington) Sunderland 1 (Gardner), Premier League, December 2012

Sunderland 3 (Campbell, Sessegnon, Ayala OG) Norwich 0, Premier League, February 2012

STATS:

Sunderland have now scored five own goals this season; at least three more than any other Premier League side.

Norwich have allowed their opponents more shots on target against them than any other team in the Premier League this season (93).

Sunderland have dropped the most points from winning positions in the Premier League this season (11).

Martin Olsson has cleared more shots off the line that any other player in the Premier League this season (3), while Norwich have made more clearances off the line than any other side (7).

ODDS:

Sunderland to win: 2.05

Norwich to win: 3.75

Draw: 3.3

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm.