Norwich City: 5 Reasons the Canaries Can Defeat Sunderland

Norwich City are going into a tough looking away game against Sunderland on Wednesday evening. However, given the way they have been playing, there is no reason they cannot target all three points.

The way the Canaries have been playing of late, they can afford to be confident. So, with this in mind, I have put together this slide show to preview the television match.

The Student to Upstage the Master

Paul Lambert has often been compared with Martin O'Neill and clearly the Scot has learned a lot from one of the very best during their time together at Celtic. However, Lambert is now a manager in his own right, and will be keen to put one over his former manager.

The way that the Norwich City manager has adapted to Premier League football suggests he is more than ready for this challenge.

The Canaries Will Want to Stay Ahead in the League Table

Martin O'Neill's influence at Sunderland has been immediate, and after a slow start the club has shot up to 10th position.

Norwich City is currently in 9th place and just two points ahead. Therefore, the motivation for the game is clear. Victory for the Canaries would put them five points ahead of the Black Cats, and further consolidate their position in the top-half of the Premier League table.

Sunderland May Lack Threat Up Front

Under Steve Bruce, Sunderland found goals hard to come by. However, that situation has improved since Martin O'Neill has taken charge of the club.

Sebastian Larsson remains a chief goal-scoring threat, especially from set-piece situations. The Swedish winger has scored five league goals this season.

Stephane Sessegnon has also improved of late and now also has five league goals. However, neither of these players are out and out strikers.

In contrast, Norwich City have a number of strikers capable of scoring. Steve Morison has scored eight league goals, and Grant Holt has seven to his name. Winger Anthony Pilkington has registered five times in the league this season.  

Norwich's Impressive Away Record

The Canaries have looked a useful side on the road recently. The team has won their last two away league games at West Brom and QPR. They also recorded an away success at West Brom in the F.A Cup at the weekend.

Norwich City is unbeaten in their last four away games, and will be keen to keep that run going.

Norwich Dominate the League Head-to-Head Record

In terms of league games, the record shows Norwich has won 18 games, Sunderland winning 11 and there have been 10 draws.

Norwich City also won the meeting earlier in the season by a 2-1 scoreline. However, the Canaries will know that Martin O'Neill's Sunderland will be a much harder nut to crack.

Enjoy the game and follow James Kent on Twitter.