Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
Laurie Martin

Sunderland could hold key advantage ahead of Norwich City clash

Sunderland could hold a key advantage over Norwich City ahead of Saturday's clash at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats will be looking to continue their impressive start to life back in the Championship against the recently-relegated side. Sunderland will be going into the tie feeling fresh having had a free week leading up to the game.

On the other hand, Norwich will be going into the game having played in the Carabao Cup against Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday evening. The Canaries were knocked out on penalties after the game finished 2-2 in normal time.

Sunderland were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Sheffield Wednesday in round one and were one of the few Championship sides to not have a game this midweek.

READ MORE: Alex Neil rates Sunderland's Ross Stewart as up there with the best strikers he has worked with

Logic suggests that Sunderland will be fresher on Saturday than the Canaries, but Norwich did make 10 changes for the Carabao Cup tie from the team that beat Millwall in the league just a few days earlier. Only Kenny McLean kept his place, meaning star players such as Tim Krul, Marcelino Nunez and Josh Sargent received a rest and will be fresh heading into Saturday's game.

Sunderland face Norwich at the Stadium of Light on Saturday at 12:30pm, with the game televised on Sky Sports Football.

READ NEXT:

Danny Batth insists Sunderland have played 'miles better' than at Stoke without winning

Alex Neil cast a critical eye on Sunderland's win at Stoke, underlining his high standards

Stoke boss Michael O'Neill on how Ross Stewart's goal changed the 'whole psychology' of the match

Sunderland boss Alex Neil would have taken this start if offered in the summer - but not now

Alex Neil on Sunderland's first half frustration at Stoke, and a much-improved second period

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.