Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Norwich City are set for their second consecutive encounter with a top-six team, and once again, success is not assured. Furthermore, they will be playing away. Sunderland, on the other hand, appear to be regaining peak form.
Sunderland
Their comeback victory over Swansea City (3:2) serves as a testament to their good form—recovering from a 0:2 deficit. The early lead gained by the 20th minute did not benefit the Welsh side. Maintaining such a lead against Sunderland is unlikely. For instance, league leaders Sheffield United defeated them with a solitary goal in the 83rd minute. Notice the difference in timing.
Norwich City
Interestingly, Norwich experienced a similar scenario in the previous round as Swansea City: leading almost from the start but eventually succumbing to Burnley's pressure (1:2). Burnley turned the game around between the 68th and 76th minutes. Norwich’s 12 goals across three matches proved to be situational. Since then, they've scored only once in three fixtures. The team were unable to net even against Queens Park Rangers and Portsmouth, who sit at the lower end of the table. What can be expected against Sunderland, then?
Sunderland vs Norwich City Prediction
Indeed, Sunderland have conceded in their last four matches. Taking this into account, they will need two goals for a victory. This is quite achievable, thus our bet is a combination.
