Norwich City return to Carrow Road knowing a victory over Sunderland would push them up to fifth in the Championship table. 

David Wagner's side welcome the Black Cats to Carrow Road following an important and impressive 3-2 win over play-off chasing Millwall last weekend.

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The teams enter this clash in contrasting form, with Norwich searching for their fourth consecutive victory and Sunderland hoping to avoid their fourth consecutive defeat.

Only Middlesbrough and Burnley have taken more points than Norwich since Wagner replaced Dean Smith in January.

City have won their last three home matches - the most recent coming against struggling Cardiff a fortnight ago.

Wagner is buoyed by the return of City's top-scorer Josh Sargent who is available for selection following an ankle concern sustained away at Wigan Athletic last month.

Winger Jon Rowe has also returned to full training but will be step up his progress with the U21s. Przemek Placheta, Isaac Hayden and Sam Byram all remain absent.

Sunderland arrive in Norfolk feeling bruised having suffered a 5-1 defeat to former manager Alex Neil and Stoke City last weekend.

Influential striker Ross Stewart's injury has dented their play-off aspirations and they will be keen to avoid defeat to try and close the points gap to the top six.

Tony Mowbray succeeded Neil earlier in the season and has stabilised the Black Cats in their first season back in the Championship following promotion.

They have injury issues of their own to contend with and are missing defender Aji Alese, midfielder Corry Evans and creators Dennis Cirkin and Elliot Embleton for this encounter.

Norwich will be searching to retain their momentum and keep the positivity flowing with a victory over Sunderland this afternoon.

Prior to today's kick-off, Carrow Road will observe a minute's applause in memory of former chairman Robert Chase who died at the age of 84 last Friday.

You can follow all of the updates, analysis and reaction in our NCFC Live blog.

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