Norwich v Sunderland: Canaries to stay unbeaten against Black Cats
Published:Norwich haven’t suffered defeat in their last eight outings, which includes impressive victories over Arsenal, Tottenham and Man United.
The Canaries have defied their early season form to move up to 13th in the Premier League, and could add the scalp of Sunderland to their campaign at 23/20.
Carrow Road has been treated to some fine home performances this season, with four straight victories witnessed and just one defeat all term, to a Luis Suárez inspired Liverpool.
That day the Uruguayan bagged a hat-trick to help his team to three points, but in Steven Fletcher travelling Sunderland do possess a man just as crucial as Suárez to their forward line.
The Scottish striker has scored half of the Black Cats paltry 12 league goals in 13 games, and he will no doubt be relied upon again if Martin O’Neill’s side are to take anything from this one.
A second away win of the season for the North-East side is available at 12/5, while a share of the spoils can’t be discounted at 23/10.
But with Norwich is such fine fettle, grinding out narrow victories on their own patch is becoming customary, as is a 1-0 scoreline.
That was the result when United, Arsenal and Stoke were sent packing from Norfolk empty handed, and a fourth straight 1-0 home win in the division for Norwich can be backed at 6/1.
If you fancy Chris Hughton’s side to keep a clean sheet but win with a greater margin, then odds of 5/2 for a win to nil for the hosts is on offer.
These bets are enhanced by the fact that Sunderland have failed to score on six occasions this season, suffering defeat in three of those matches.
Last year Sunderland managed a goal in this fixture, but still slumped to a 2-1 defeat, and that scoreline is another decent option at 8/1.
The home side continue to be without goalkeeper John Ruddy who is out for three months with a thigh injury, while defender Michael Turner is missing with shoulder complaints.
Those two are key cogs in Norwich’s defence, but Sunderland have problems of their own with captain Lee Cattermole limping off early during the mid-week draw with QPR.
In the goalscorers market, Grant Holt is the 5/1 favourite to open the scoring while Sunderland’s Fletcher is next at 6/1 to break the deadlock.
Having previously not scored since March, midfielder Stephane Sessegnon now has two goals in three and could strike again at 11/5 anytime.
Ex-Leeds star Robert Snodgrass scored last time out versus Southampton, and is a 3/1 bet to find the back of the net again during the 90 minutes against Sunderland.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
