Garth Crooks
BBC Final Score

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Can Norwich find the net today?

Kick-off moments away now.

Interesting to see how the players get themselves hyped up in the tunnel before games. 

Norwich captain Russell Martin is slapping himself in the face, while Sunderland counterpart Lee Cattermole, eyes like a shark, is staring straight ahead into some imaginary reckless challenge.

He's got 89 yellow cards in his career.

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Meanwhile, Dick Advocaat has been reasserting his steely side in the build-up to this afternoon's fixture. No tears this early in the season. 

Asked if he had been shocked by Sunderland's performance at Leicester he said: "Yes, I was. If we think we can play that way, then we have no chance at all. 

"If this team, this squad doesn't work and there is no aggression in the team to get the ball and to do something more, then we will find it very difficult. 

"But we have discussed that and they have to show me what they can do." 

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Norwich manager Alex Neil has not lost an away game since taking charge of the Canaries in January. And he sounds pretty confident his side's chances today. 

"Going away from home gives you a different dynamic because the pressure is on the home team to come and beat you," he told the club's website.  

“I’d imagine with them being at home, the fans will be up for it and the players likewise. We’ve got our own agenda though."

The sun's out at the Stadium of Light, beautiful stuff. 

'Dancing in the Moonlight' has just started up over the speakers though. 

Couldn't really think of a less appropriate song right now, for so, so many reasons. 

Can't say I approve of what's going on in the photo below either to be quite frank... 

Image source, Getty Images

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After years cropping up in the gossip columns, Yann M'Vila finally makes it onto a Premier League pitch with Sunderland today.

The 25-year-old anchorman was a reported target for Liverpool and Arsenal in previous seasons, but disciplinary issues on and off the pitch did not help his case as a move went unfulfilled.

Now, after a stint at Russian side Ruban Kuzan and a year on loan at Inter Milan, he forms a teak-tough central midfield partnership with Lee Cattermole at the Stadium of Light.

Guy Mowbray
BBC Match of the Day commentator

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"Both teams were beaten by two goals last week, but whilst Norwich could claim to have been desperately unlucky against Crystal Palace, Sunderland were just desperate at Leicester.

"Dick Advocaat's players will have been in defensive drill overdrive this week and that's where changes to his team are most likely.

"Alex Neil will have noted the havoc caused by Riyad Mahrez to the Black Cats' backline and may contemplate a start for his scorer last Saturday, the lively Nathan Redmond.

"It's too early to be a 'six-pointer', but it could prove a useful pointer to what lies ahead for both."

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Norwich manager Alex Neil makes two changes from the side that lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace last Saturday. Nathan Redmond is in for Bradley Johnson, while Cameron Jerome replaces Lewis Grabban.

Norwich XI: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Brady; Redmond, Tettey, Dorrans, Howson; Hoolahan; Jerome.

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The teams are in. Let's take a look at the home side first.

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat makes two changes to the side that lost 4-2 at Leicester last Saturday. There’s a debut for summer signing Yann M’Vila, who comes in for Jack Rodwell, while Steven Fletcher starts in place of injured winger Adam Johnson. There’s also a home debut for Netherlands international Jeremain Lens.

Sunderland XI:  Pantilimon, Jones, Kaboul, Coates, Van Aanholt, Cattermole, Larsson, M’Vila, Defoe, Lens, Fletcher.

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Image source, .

First up though we've got a little bit of housekeeping to take care of. 

Because the predictor fans among you have still got just enough time to get in your guesses for the results of Saturday's Premier League fixtures. 

Can you do better than former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson?

The page you'll be needing is over here.

What are the nerves like on Wearside today after Sunderland's dismal showing at Leicester last week? 

Can Norwich move on from their own date with disappointment at home to Crystal Palace - Cameron Jerome'sdisallowed goalincluded? 

You're in the right place to find out. Welcome. 

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