Roker Report - Norwich City Vs Sunderland: As It HappenedSunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2012-12-03T10:00:25+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/34811032012-12-03T10:00:25+00:002012-12-03T10:00:25+00:00Quick Kicks: Thoughts From Norwich 2-1 Sunderland
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>Same story, different day. Read on for some bite-sized reaction from our latest hard-lines story as results continue to elude Martin O'Neill's men.</p> <h4><b>What The Gaffer Said</b></h4>
<p>Martin O'Neill had little in the way of excuses and a lot in the way of frustration once again. He told safc.com:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We started off very tentatively and the first goal we conceded was poor and the second was even worse.</p>
<p>Then before you know it we were two nil down before we even got started.</p>
<p>In the second half we came out and we played completely different and we should have taken something out of the game - the second half belonged to us.</p>
<p>There were plenty of opportunities and really good chances in the game but we spurned a lot of them.</p>
<p>We didn't get going until Craig [Gardner] scored and there's absolutely no reason for that.</p>
<p>We should have taken something from the game.</p>
<p>It's very frustrating to come away with nothing.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The game mirrored last week's defeat against West Bromwich Albion. Started slowly, give away a couple of sloppy goals out of nothing, back in it with a Craig Gardner goal, but not able to go on and take something that was probably deserved from from game.</p>
<p>It is difficult to disagree with O'Neill's analysis really. Frustration certainly the overriding emotion.</p>
<h4><b>A Rabona Does Not A Player Make</b></h4>
<p>Ever since Matthew Kilgallon produced an eye-catching rabona against Manchester City last season, he has become a popular player amongst the fans with 'never puts a foot wrong' and 'never lets anyone down' being particularly popular phrases to describe the former Leeds man's contribution.</p>
<p>But he has let people down and he has put plenty of feet wrong. He was yanked off the park on two occasions last season, once having allowed Kevin Davies to basically strut around the Stadium of Light owning the place, and that is something that doesn't happen to good and reliable Premier League defenders.</p>
<p>At Carrow Road however he had a total shocker. Two basic errors in the build-up to the second goal by, first, being two feet behind his colleagues and then turning his back on the play as he tried to block the shot. To compound the horror he also missed an open goal at a crucial time at the other end.</p>
<p>I like Kilgallon as a decent honest pro, and he is only playing because of Steve Bruce's penchant for buying injury prone centre backs on the wrong side of 30, but he isn't up to it and it is time people started to accept it.</p>
<p>At least we'll always have the rabona...</p>
<h4><b>Game Of Two Halves</b></h4>
<p>It is probably about the most tired football cliché out there, but this one was definitely a game of two halves!</p>
<p>In fact, it was both the best performance of the season and the worst one all inside the same game. I defy anyone to find a worse attempt at football by a Premier League side for the opening half an hour than the one we produced.</p>
<p>By comparison, however, the second half was vibrant, crisp, and penetrative.</p>
<p>It is absolutely maddening that Sunderland can't put a performance together for a full 90 minutes right now, and frustrating that just about every chance we give up is being gleefully gobbled up by the opposition whilst we squander our own, but the second half at least shows that there is quality in the side and the players are still very much playing for the manager.</p>
<h4><b>Return Of The Monolithic Menace</b></h4>
<p>If anyone was wondering if Martin O'Neill had given up on Connor Wickham then think again. Having entered the fray at half time for the injured Steven Fletcher, the former Ipswich man unquestionably produced the most polished performance of his Sunderland career to date.</p>
<p>It was a performance that was light-years ahead of the last time we saw him get good minutes in a Sunderland shirt. He used his body better, bullied defenders, and made something out of just about every ball that came his way. He has clearly been working very hard with the manager on the training ground.</p>
<p>I have said it before but Connor Wickham's potential is absolutely frightening. Once he gathers his game together he will be very hard to stop. Lets hope he gets more opportunities to do that from now on because he looks like he is coming along splendidly.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/3/3720286/quick-kicks-thoughts-and-reaction-from-norwich-city-2-1-sunderlandmichaelgraham2012-12-02T21:42:26+00:002012-12-02T21:42:26+00:00Norwich City Vs Sunderland: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Christopher Lee</figcaption>
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<p>As we do each and every week we run through everyone who appeared for Sunderland comment on how they got on. We do that, you tell us how wrong we are, that's generally how it works so let's get down to business...</p> <h4>Simon Mignolet - 6</h4>
<p>Despite conceding two, a quiet day for Mignolet. Couldn't do much about either goal of Norwich's and dealt with everything else with consummate ease. Good save in second half to stop Pilkington extending the lead.</p>
<h4>Phil Bardsley - 5</h4>
<p>Given the captaincy today as the one who generally tends to shout a lot and pump his fists. That's about all he did today in what wasn't a great performance from Bardsley. Outshone in the fullback stakes by Rose all day long, and Rose wasn't even at his very, very best.</p>
<h4>Matt Kilgallon - 4</h4>
<p>Booked very early on and looked on a knife edge ever since that. Worse than that however was his defending for Norwich's second goal which was completely inexcusable. Missed open goal in second half just the icing on the cake for a poor afternoon. The sooner some fans realise that one rabona does not a player make, the better.</p>
<h4>Carlos Cuellar - 7</h4>
<p>With Kilgallon next to him we needed at least one strong defender and Cuellar showed himself to be just that as he put in a very good performance to repel nearly everything the Canaries threw at him. Very decent stuff, and we'll need him to keep it up until John O'Shea returns to the side in a few weeks time.</p>
<h4>Danny Rose - 7</h4>
<p>Rose started quite quietly but grew into the game. In the second half we was one of our leading attacking lights and could well consider himself unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Continually impressed with the lad.</p>
<h4>Adam Johnson - 6</h4>
<p>Got another assist, which will no doubt go unnoticed by the slew of doubters he's picked up recently. Generally he was alright today. A little quiet at times but over all he did help provide one of our rare moments of quality. Another positive would be he was offside considerably less, if even at all through out the game, but still needs to work on stopping overhitting crosses.</p>
<h4>Seb Larsson - 5</h4>
<p>Worked hard, but didn't find himself too involved in the game. Worryingly he seems to be completely removed from set-piece duty. Either way, he didn't enjoy a great game in the middle, and didn't really get a hold of things in the way his colleague in there did. Needs to do better.</p>
<h4>Craig Gardner - 8</h4>
<p>Usually when played in central midfield Gardner is anonymous, but today he really seemed to take the game by the scruff of the neck and dragged us back into it. A great goal, and could have had a few more as he provided both bite and threat to our midfield.</p>
<h4>James McClean - 6</h4>
<p>Seemed to spend large part of the first half on the peripheries, with his only significant contributions coming when he felt like giving the ball away. Certainly upped his game in the second half however and looked much more dangerous. </p>
<h4>Stephane Sessegnon - 7</h4>
<p>First half (a theme emerging here) here was rubbish but picked himself up in the second and turned it into a decent performance. Much better when pushed up alongside a striker rather than in behind. He and Wickham seemed to enjoy working together. Had a few half chances, and one excellent chance. Can someone please find him some shooting boots?</p>
<h4>Steven Fletcher - 6</h4>
<p>Only played the first half before being withdrawn for Connor Wickham. An ankle aggravation the reason given. Hopefully that's not serious as despite any meaningful contribution to this game still a very important player. Get well soon Fletch.</p>
<h4>Connor Wickham - 7</h4>
<p>Won a lot of headers today, proved to be mobile and gave us some threat. Showed in those 45 minutes more than Louis Saha and Fraizer Campbell had all season combined. Just as we had suspected he might if given a chance. Would be very pleased and interested if he got a run in the side alongside Fletcher soon.</p>
<h4>Fraizer Campbell - 5</h4>
<p>A late substitute who didn't really offer very much once he came on. Are you surprised?</p>
<h4>David Vaughan - 5</h4>
<p>I'm not even sure he touched the ball to be honest. Bringing him on was bordering on pointless.</p>
<h4>Man Of The Match: Craig Gardner</h4>
<p>Got the goal which dragged us off our arses and back into the game. A superb strike for his goal, and should have had a large part in an imaginary equaliser when he hit the post and Kilgallon fired over. All in all though, this might well have been his best central midfield performance for us. Danny Rose, Carlos Cuellar and Conor Wickham all come in with decent shouts too.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/2/3717536/norwich-city-vs-sunderland-player-ratingsSimonWalsh2012-12-02T17:58:45+00:002012-12-02T17:58:45+00:00Norwich 2-1 Sunderland - Positives, But No Points
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<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
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<p>Join us as we recap the action from today's game against Norwich City at Carrow Road. There's plenty to go over, so let's get right to it...</p> <p>The opening five minutes were relatively quiet. Norwich certainly enjoying more of the possession but not a great deal of threat. Matt Kilgallon found himself in the book early doors for a near identical challenge to John O'Shea on Shane Long against West Bromwich Albion last weekend.</p>
<p>Adam Johnson, who started on the right of midfield, wasted a half decent opportunity by ballooning one well wide with better options placed in the middle.</p>
<p>As said though, Norwich were dominating the possession, and it was the home side who inevitably drew first blood. </p>
<p>Danny Rose was penalised for a foul on Steven Whittaker around 35-40 yards from goal. Robert Snodgrass wrapped his left foot around it and following a few bobbles around in a crowded penalty area, Sebastian Bassong beat Simon Mignolet to the ball at the back post to bumble in from a yard out. </p>
<p>Eight minutes on the clock and any game plan was seemingly out the window.</p>
<p>Nothing seemed to go our way in the first half. Nothing against the referee at all, he didn't have any decisions to make really. It was our inability to do anything right as a competition ensued to see who could do the 'most Sunderland season defining moment'. I give you the contenders;</p>
<p>James McClean's 13th minute overhead kick from outside the are which trickled well wide whilst Steven Fletcher got himself into a good position.</p>
<p>Stephane Sessegnon's 17th minute half-volley from a full 30+ yards out which went high and wide. So wide in fact it went out for a throw in, and not even close to the corner flag for any sort of reduced shame.</p>
<p>Finally, in the 40th minute, Craig Gardner (who'd later redeem himself in the first half) playing the ball straight out of play over the head of a completely unmarked Phil Bardsley.</p>
<p>In between those though some interesting things happened. A corner kick straight from the training ground which saw Rose testing Mark Bunn in the Norwich City goal, but also two goals.</p>
<p>The first of which was a sickener as Anthony Pilkington double the hosts lead. A nice ball through from Bradley Johnson saw Matt Kilgallon play everyone on side, Pilkington hold off Cuellar and neatly finish past Mignolet. Game over? Just about it felt before a screamer from Gardner got us back into things.</p>
<p>Some excellent work by Adam Johnson on the left hand side set up Gardner to lash into the corner off the post left-footed from a full 20 yards. Rather unexpectedly and completely against the run of play, suddenly we had a little snifter of a chance.</p>
<p>Martin O'Neill made a leap of faith at half time with Steven Fletcher picking up an ankle injury, Connor Wickham was brought on at the break ahead of usual favourite Fraizer Campbell. Louis Saha not involved in the match squad.</p>
<p>Against all expectations we actually came out in the second half and improved. Like, significantly improved. The tempo was upped and plenty of chances were created, all looking like something would eventually come with Norwich firmly on the back foot.</p>
<p>Carlos Cuellar's shot on the turn was blocked at close range, Connor Wickham had the ball whipped off his toes by Whittaker after good work from Sessegnon before he himself wasted a glorious opportunity having been slipped in behind the defence by Danny Rose. It was however Matt Kilgallon who wasted the best opportunity as the hour mark came and went.</p>
<p>Craig Gardner took one of those freekicks. One of those where he had absolutely no business shooting from so far out but he did anyway. It actually paid off as with Bunn scrambling the ball rebouned off the post and into the path of "Skillgallon" who this week showcased how to miss an open goal. Should have been 2-2. You'd have backed a baby to score it.</p>
<p>With 15 minutes of normal time remaining the game was still anyone's for the taking, and we certainly had our chances. </p>
<p>Danny Rose was growing into the game and nearly set up Connor Wickham with a tap in, while he also played a part in his England Under-21 colleague's offside goal. </p>
<p>The ball from a corner was easily nodded away and out to Rose who struck beautifully on the volley. Mark Bunn spilled the ball right into the path of Wickham who tapped home with the flag raised. It could have been against any number of Sunderland players lurking to finish.</p>
<p>Rose himself shot wide with better options placed late on as we began to become a little bit desperate for an equaliser. During this period of desperation Fraizer Campbell replaces James McClean, who had flitted in and out all afternoon.</p>
<p>Norwich had their own chances too mind you. Wes Hoolahan wriggled away from two markers to set up Grant Holt but the big man's touch eluded him at the crucial moment. </p>
<p>We kept pressing though right to the final whistle. Danny Rose was denied a penalty when he went down in the area, although there wasn't much of an appeal from he nor his teammates. Sessegnon didn't get the look of the bounce as he tried to keep some danger alive and with the last meaningful kick of the game Craig Gardner wasted a freekick in a good position.</p>
<p>Another one of those days. Once again we'll talk about the positives we can take from it - chances created, good attitude, encouraging passages of play - but right now give me a God awful performance and three points every single time over another day like today.</p>
<p><i>Don't forget to check back into our match stream later <a href="http://www.rokerreport.com/2012/12/2/3717062/norwich-city-vs-sunderland-live-coverage-match-report-final-score" target="_blank">HERE</a> for player ratings and full reaction.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/2/3717490/match-report-norwich-city-2-1-sunderland-positives-but-still-no-pointsSimonWalsh2012-12-02T15:12:31+00:002012-12-02T15:12:31+00:00Norwich City Vs Sunderland: Confirmed Lineups
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<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
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<p>The team sheets are in from Carrow Road and here's who has been charged with taking three points for Sunderland in what looks a very, very difficult game.</p> <p>Martin O'Neill was without captain Lee Cattermole and vice captain John O'Shea for this encounter, leading to another start for Matt Kilgallon at the heart of the defence with Craig Gardner returning to central midfield and partner Seb Larsson.</p>
<p>James McClean made a return to the side to lineup wide in midfield, no doubt alternating with Adam Johnson from time to time.</p>
<p>In the absence of Cattermole and O'Shea, Phil Bardsley was handed the captaincy. No room for Louis Saha among the substitutes.</p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-4-1-1):</b> Simon Mignolet; Phil Bardsley, Matt Kilgallon, Carlos Cuellar, Danny Rose; Seb Larsson, Craig Gardner, James McClean, Adam Johnson; Stephane Sessegnon; Steven Fletcher</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Keiren Westwood, Fraizer Campbell, David Vaughan, Jack Colback, James McFadden, Connor Wickham, Titus Bramble.</p>
<p>Norwich gaffer Chris Hughton went with an unchanged starting lineup from their last game against Southampton.</p>
<p>England international John Ruddy continues to miss out through injury, but Sunderland will have to be on guard against the dangerous front two of Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt, who've both been in very good form of late.</p>
<p><b>Norwich City (4-4-2): </b>Mark Bunn; Javier Garrdio, Sebastian Bassong, Ryan Bennett, Steven Whittaker; Anthony Pilkington, Bradley Johnson, Alexander Tettey, Robert Snodgrass; Wes Hoolahan, Grant Holt</p>
<p><b>Substitutes: </b>Declan Rudd, Russell Martin, Simeon Jackson, Johnny Howson, Steve Morison, Elliot Bennett, Leon Barnett</p>
<p><i>Follow all the action from today's game in our match stream right <a href="http://www.rokerreport.com/2012/12/2/3717062/norwich-city-vs-sunderland-live-coverage-match-report-final-score" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/2/3717320/norwich-city-vs-sunderland-confirmed-lineupsSimonWalsh2012-11-30T15:00:57+00:002012-11-30T15:00:57+00:00Whatcha Gonna Do When Holtamania Runs Wild On You!
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<figcaption>Paul Gilham</figcaption>
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<p>We caught up with the lads from the rather splendid Norwich City blog Holtamania ahead of Sunday's game. There's some excellent stuff on the recent rise of the Canaries, plus a few choice comments about our own gaffer, who once resided at Carrow Road.</p> <p><b>The Canaries seem to be in decent form as of late, unbeaten in your last six games, can you pinpoint the main reasons behind the recent success? </b></p>
<p><i>Holtamania:</i> The defence, basically. Last season we were excellent going forward but leaky at the back, not helped by numerous injuries and not much consistency. This year he's brought in an entirely new backline and kept it more-or-less the same, barring the odd niggle. Garrido-Turner-Bassong-Whittaker has been as solid as we've had in a long, long time. Credit has to also go to the midfield pairing of Johnson and Tettey in front, who give them excellent protection. It's how we've gone from letting in 5 to Fulham and Liverpool to keeping the joint top number of clean sheets in the division.</p>
<p><b>Following a few big losses Hughton really seems to have tightened up your defence which must be a big plus?</b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>Yep, and the key member is Bassong. He had a tough time at Spurs but it was always said that he is excellent when he's playing regularly, which he is now. He improves whoever he is with, he's a talker and a leader and makes sure everyone else knows what their job is, and whether its Leon Barnett, Michael Turner or Ryan Bennett, they've all come in and played brilliantly alongside him.</p>
<p><b>How do you rate Hughton? As someone entrenched in the "North-East football scene", even as a Sunderland fan, it was hard not to warm to the bloke when he was in charge at Newcastle. </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>Nicest man in football. He's totally different to Lambert who seemed like the prick it was ok to admire. Hughton is a top guy, smart, eloquent and he's getting a lot out of his group of players. This is the first time he's been at a club where he can truly dictate the direction - at Newcastle and Birmingham there was so much behind the scenes nonsense that it was hard to get on with the job. Now he has stability and I think he'll bring it to us too. It's not the exciting gung ho football we saw last year, but we just beat Arsenal and Man Utd while keeping clean sheets - he's doing something right.</p>
<p><b>Has Grant Holt been forgiven for his summer contract indiscretions? </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>More or less. Goals always help, and he netted a few earlier in the year, but his role has changed somewhat. He's a bit more isolated as a lone forward supported by Hoolahan, in a more defensive system. Last year he was the focal point of a very attacking unit so the 17 goals he got were not a surprise. Now we score less, and he has to tolerate fewer chances and games not being set up for him. He seems to be doing well so far, he's working hard, harassing defenders and being a nuisance. He'll never stop being a nuisance, to be honest.</p>
<p><b>On to Sunderland, a frustratingly disappointing season to date, have you been unfortunate to have caught much of us this year? </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>I have, and it's not particularly edifying viewing. You've got a few good players up there, Fletcher in particular, but something isn't clicking.</p>
<p><b>How do you rate O'Neill as a gaffer? </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>Hmmm. I said in an equivalent piece with you guys last season that I'm not much a fan of his football, and the same remains. The man has got results pretty much everywhere he's been, and is still a fan favourite down here for both his playing and (short-lived) managerial stints, but I wonder if he's being left behind while football moves on. He's pretty rigid, the football he plays now is the same he played at Villa and at Celtic before, and while he has good players, I wonder if he's good enough to counter the more complex tactics of better opponents and more well-rounded players. He just seems a bit 2D in a world that's 3D.I think if you compare him to our old boss, Lambert, then you've got someone who has O'Neills famed man management and motivational skills but with the added tactical nous to turn games around.</p>
<p><b>Moving on to the game, how can we expect Norwich to be set up to take all three points? </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>We've got our system and we seem to be sticking to it - Hoolahan playing off Holt up front. Tettey will support with some bursting runs from midfield, and we'll hope to use the wide players cutting inside a lot. Both Pilkington and Snodgrass play on the opposite side to their natural foot so there'll be less going down the line and more cutting in. Their delivery so far this season has been dire, so that needs to improve.</p>
<p><b>Conversely are their any weak spots that Sunderland could look to exploit? </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>Well if Cattermole is injured, that's a bonus. He's not exactly a gifted footballer but he protects the defence well and you lose more without him. I expect Hoolahan will have a more enjoyable afternoon than if he was being kicked about the pitch, so I'd look at him to try and control the game.</p>
<p><b>Who in the Norwich side should SAFC be particularly wary of? </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>Hoolahan and Tettey. Wes is in the form of his life at the moment and is the man who pulls all our strings. Tettey is a complete diamond we brought over from Rennes in the summer and he is the midfielder we've missed for years. A strong presence to protect the back four, but someone who can turn defence to attack pretty quickly, and contribute with strong bursting runs through the middle. He's been outstanding so far.</p>
<p><b>Vice versa is there anyone in the Sunderland side that gives you cause for concern? </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>Fletcher always worries me because he's a natural goalscorer, he doesn't need many chances, but we're doing pretty well defensively at the moment so I hope Bassong can mark him out of the game. Otherwise it's the wingers, McClean especially using his pace up against Whittaker. Both our goals conceded against Everton and Southampton came from that area of the pitch.</p>
<p><b>Could we trouble you for a prediction? </b></p>
<p><i>H: </i>A very boring 1-0, and everyone will resent it being on TV. To us, of course.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/11/30/3707816/fan-focus-whatcha-gonna-do-when-holtamania-runs-wild-on-youDavid Boyle2012-11-30T12:02:38+00:002012-11-30T12:02:38+00:00Preview: Hoping To Avoid Carrow Road Catastrophe
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<figcaption>Julian Finney</figcaption>
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<p>Sunderland travel to Norwich City this weekend getting really quite desperate for three points, but with the Canaries currently surging up the table and in fine form it looks like it could be quite a task. Join us as we preview the action from Carrow Road</p> <h4><b>Sunderland Team News</b></h4>
<p>Lee Cattermole looks set to be out for some time after damaging knee ligaments. Jack Colback, who dropped to the bench last time out, looks most likely to replace the Sunderland captain in the side, but Martin O'Neill also has David Vaughan at his disposal.</p>
<p>John O'Shea missed the midweek game against Queen's Park Rangers and remains a doubt - should he miss out then Matt Kilgallon could again deputise. Titus Bramble's capability against strong a centre forward such as Grant Holt could also be an option.</p>
<h4><b>Norwich City Team News</b></h4>
<p>Goalkeeper John Ruddy and former Sunderland man Michael Turner remain on the injured list, which should ensure that the City side is kept relatively unchanged from the midweek draw at Southampton.</p>
<p>Should manager Chris Hughton opt to freshen things up he can call on Jonathan Howson or Andrew Surman in midfield, or Steve Morison in attack.</p>
<h4><b>Predicted Lineups</b></h4>
<p><b>Sunderland: </b>Mignolet; Bardsley, Cuellar, Kilgallon, Rose; Larsson, Gardner, Colback, Johnson; Sessegnon; Fletcher</p>
<p><b>Norwich City:</b> Bunn; Whittaker, R Bennett, Bassong, Garrido; Snodgrass, B Johnson, Tettey, Pilkington; Hoolahan; Holt</p>
<h4><b>Key Matchup: Stephane Sessegnon Vs Alexander Tettey</b></h4>
<p>The creative force meets the immovable object? Well, not quite, but it is an area of the field that will determine how this game goes.</p>
<p>Sessegnon is starting to find his feet, having scored two in his last three games. Getting him on the ball - in favourable attacking positions - remains a key part of Sunderland's game plan, and an inability to do so explains their struggles.</p>
<p>The Norwegian holding player is Norwich's top interceptor and one of their top tacklers; instructing him to sit just behind the rest of the midfield could force Sessegnon wide, where he had some joy against West Bromwich Albion. Should Sessegnon be able to evade Tettey's attention, Sunderland should be able to generate momentum.</p>
<h4><b>Recent Form: WDWDD</b></h4>
<p>Win: Norwich City 1-0 Stoke City (Johnson 44)</p>
<p>Draw: Reading 0-0 Norwich City</p>
<p>Win: Norwich City 1-0 Manchester United (Pilkington 60)</p>
<p>Draw: Everton 1-1 Norwich City (Naismith 12; Bassong 90)</p>
<p>Draw: Southampton 1-1 Norwich City (Lambert 32; Snodgrass 45)</p>
<h4><b>Last Time Around: Norwich City 2-1 Sunderland, 26/09/12</b></h4>
<p>One of the more frustrating games of last season, a 4-0 home win over Stoke City was backed up by a team performance in front of the Sky cameras.</p>
<p>After Craig Gardner and Nicklas Bendtner were both unable to make the most of their chances, Leon Barnett turned home an Elliott Bennett cross to put the Canaries in front.</p>
<p>Just after the interval, Welsh front man Steve Morison headed a second City goal before Kieran Richardson's goal inspired a late rally from the visitors - but it was to no avail.</p>
<h4><b>The Ref: Phil Dowd</b></h4>
<p>Infamous on Wearside for his showdown with Lee Cattermole, the Staffordshire-based official has refereed Sunderland seven times since that occasion, with no wins - the closest being the 3-3 draw at Manchester City in which the Black Cats let a two-goal lead slip.</p>
<p>His only game involving Sunderland this season was the Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Middlesbrough.</p>
<h4><b>What The Managers Said</b></h4>
<p><b>Martin O'Neill:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b></b>We're in a position in the league where it's so tight. We're two or three points away from mid-table, and two or three points away from relegation.</p>
<p>It's going to be like that for a number of weeks.</p>
<p>There's a lot of sides similar in quality, and you just have to eke out that bit of luck to get a result.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>Chris Hughton:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>We're not making the individual errors that we had been. We're looking a fairly secure unit.</p>
<p>We look more compact, we are not scoring the amount of goals we would like or making life easy for ourselves, but you can't have everything.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b></b></p>
<p> </p>
<h4 style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Roker Report Predicts</b></h4>
<p>Norwich's recent form suggests just how difficult a game it will be on Sunday, but Sunderland haven't fared too badly on the road despite much of the early part of the season featuring away games.</p>
<p>The injury to Cattermole is key, as the composition of Sunderland's midfield has been somewhat of a problem so far this season. With that in mind we're going to plump for a scoring draw, with Fletcher getting the first goal.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/11/30/3709786/preview-sunderland-hoping-to-avoid-carrow-road-catastropheSimonWalsh2012-11-29T15:00:38+00:002012-11-29T15:00:38+00:00Roker Riches: Look To Make Cash From The Canaries
<figure>
<img alt="Goals from Grant on Sunday?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KGqTs705kY3bosYa-fa9lh5VWzE=/12x0:3987x2650/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4062251/156900533.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Goals from Grant on Sunday? | Clive Brunskill</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As quick as a flash Roker Riches is back as the games come thick and fast. Keep reading for some more iffy betting suggestions from the team.</p> <h4>Week Fourteen Recap</h4>
<table border="1" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Pundit</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Last Week's Profit/Loss</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Current Balance</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dan Williams</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">David Boyle</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£7.50</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£22.64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Karl Jones</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£1.37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Simon Walsh</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Chris Weatherspoon</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>-£22.50</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Well <a href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sunderland's</a> rather inept performance on Tuesday night did little to help out our tipping team with no-one returning any profit from their SAFC-based punt, so we're going to blame the team for that, obviously nothing to do with us... promise.</p>
<p>Elsewhere the Roker Report overlord himself Simon Walsh did his upmost to catch me out with his selections as he backed a rather exotic looking quadruple comprising of such footballing luminaries as: Rot-Weiss Essen, Boston United, Rayo Vallecano and Ross County - the results were as follows:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Rot-Weiss Essen 1 - 1 Sportfreunde<br>Skelmersdale United 2 - 1 Boston United<br>Rayo Vallecano 0 - 0 UD Las Palmas<br>Ross County 0 - 0 St Mirren</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Unlucky Walshy!</p>
<p>On the other hand my rather obvious banker of a Brighton and Charlton double was never really in any doubt and returned a small profit - a wins a win though right?</p>
<p>Onto this week's selections.</p>
<h4>Dan Williams</h4>
<p>Norwich to win 2-0. Am I a doom-monger? Probably. After a disappointing four goals shipped at home to West Brom, a demoralising 0-0 draw against a team who only had four points before we played them, and last season's trip to Carrow Road in my mind, I'm backing us to lose this one. Norwich certainly haven't been setting the division alight this season, but they have picked up a few impressive wins, and I honestly think that we'll probably get beat down there.</p>
<p>Secondly; Bolton, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Leicester and Watford - Five home teams. All in form. All should win.</p>
<li>Norwich 2-0 - 17/2 - £1 </li>
<li>Bolton, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Leicester and Watford to win - 19.5/1 - £5</li>
<h4>David Boyle</h4>
<p>Where to start with Sunderland betting-wise at the moment without going for the doom-and-gloom option of backing a Norwich win? Well I think Paddy Power have provided a cracking bet as part of their match specials in the shape of Grant Holt to outscore <span>Steven Fletcher</span> in the game which looks a smart price at 10/3.</p>
<p>Elsewhere I am going to turn to the Championship with a treble made up of some of this seasons form teams, all of whom are at home and should stand a great chance of winning their respective games: Crystal Palace, Leicester and Cardiff.</p>
<p> </p>
<li>Grant Holt to outscore Steven Fletcher - 10/3 - £3 Stake</li>
<li>Crystal Palace, Leicester and Cardiff to win - 6.64 - £2 Stake</li>
<h4>Simon Walsh</h4>
<p>Greetings fellow losers, time for this weeks bad selections. In this weekend's game with Norwich City I'm torn between the glumness of a defeat and the comparative glee of a draw. Hence forth I'm going for a Norwich-Draw half time/full time result.</p>
<p>In my continued efforts to best David Boyle (read: scattergun approach to betting) I'm heading into Europe again. The "Euro Elite List" has always caught my eye, so I've decided for no apparent reason to pick a game in each country and slap them in an accumulator. I'm far from a European expert, so these really are again based on nothing at all other than feelings. This lot to win should pay off handsomely: West Brom, Ajax, Wolfsburg, Rennes, Bologna and Sevilla.</p>
<li>Norwich Half Time, Draw Full Time - 14/1 - £2 Stake</li>
<li>West Brom, Ajax, Wolfsburg, Bologna, Rennes & Sevilla All To Win - 80/1 - £5 Stake</li>
<h4>Karl Jones</h4>
<p>There's basically no tyre left - I'm getting to the point where wheel is simply scraping against road and I have no control over where I'm going. But, one thing's certain and that is that Sunderland are heading to Norwich City on Sunday, and I think it'll be the sort of game that has hamstrung our season so far - reliable at the back, willing in midfield, but not quite enough about us to win the game. However I've been greedy, just in case we do manage a victory.</p>
<p>Having stayed away from FA Cup action in the first round, I've gone for a potential upset on Friday night. Bradford have already shown off their giant-killing exploits in the Capital One Cup, so I'm not backing them to get a third round place. Elsewhere, I just want goals. At Loftus Road. At Alexandra Stadium (Gresty Road sounded better). And Gigg Lane. The last one was tempting in terms of the lower league side coming out on top, but Kevin Blackwell has tightened Bury up a bit, so we'll stick with both teams to score.</p>
<li>Sunderland to Draw/Sunderland to Win double chance - 4/6 - £1 Stake</li>
<li>Bradford to beat Brentford, QPR and Aston Villa both to score, Crewe and Burton Albion both to score, Bury and Southend both to score - 17.07/1 - £0.37 Stake</li>
<h4>Chris Weatherspoon</h4>
<p>Well, I - conveniently - forgot to do some midweek throwing away of my money. But I'm back, miserable as ever, forlornly shoved into the bookies and forced to make a downpayment against my will. In other words - I'm not going to win this week either. However, if I do, Sunderland won't. I'm as positive as the next guy, but the next guy has decided we're not going to inflict Norwich's first defeat on them in almost two months. 2-1 to The Canaries.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, I like accumulators. If only because I enjoy the thrill of getting every result right, until someone pops up with a last minute equaliser, likely off the arse-end of the centre half of the side I want to win, to ruin my day. So, never one to learn a lesson, I'm picking Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City, QPR and West Brom all to record home victories.</p>
<li>Norwich to beat Sunderland 2-1 - 9/1 - £1 stake</li>
<li>Arsenal to beat Swansea, Liverpool to beat Southampton, Man City to beat Everton, QPR to beat Aston Villa, West Brom to beat Stoke - 10.83/1 - £1 stake</li>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/11/29/3702334/roker-riches-looking-to-make-some-cash-from-the-canariesDavid Boyle