Image source, Reuters

Ohhh Dieumerci Mbokani - you went too early.

Jonny Howson makes a great run down the right and plays a peach perfect low ball into the area for the fast arriving striker who tucks in. Home fans celebrate until they spot the assistant's flag.

Despite having been ruled out, it looks promising for Norwich.

Norwich win another free-kick about 40 yards from goal. The ball is whipped in but it just eludes the head of the busy Dieumerci Mbokani. The home team look very threatening.

Dion Dublin
Former Leicester and Aston Villa forward on Football Focus

"Norwich have a chance of staying up, but only if they win today. 

"Down there, Sunderland are best equipped to stay up, because of the manager and goalscorer Jermain Defoe.

We have our first efforts of the afternoon.

Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse, who is known to improvise, flicks a looping header towards goal but it lands on John Ruddy's top netting.

At the other end, Steven Naismith's low shot is saved low to his right by Karl Darlow. Chancel Mbemba gave the ball away in the build-up.

Cheick Tiote makes his first challenge of the match with a foul on Canaries striker Dieumerci Mbokani.

No yellow card. He's seen a few of those in his time.

They're all at it in the Match of the Day prep room. Like the Anchorman fellas. "Punditry Team, assemble!"

Steady opening by both teams. The Magpies have had a lot of possession and keeper Karl Darlow has had his first touch - a clearance from a backpass.

Most importantly, neither team have made a mistake.

Chris Sutton
Former Norwich striker at Carrow Road for 5 live Sport

"There is so much at stake. This is a big afternoon and both teams will be at this tooth and nail.

"Look at that beachball on the pitch! Thrown by the Norwich fans. They try anything in these parts..."

There are two balls on the pitch and ref Mike Dean halts play. One of the balls was a large inflatable. Great start.

The Magpies, in white and sky blue, get the game under way.

Garth Crooks
Former Spurs striker on Final Score

Image source, Reuters

"Rafa Benitez has given Newcastle belief. You need belief at the bottom just as much as you need it at the top. I can see Newcastle getting out of this providing they believe they can." 

The teams are in the tunnel. Magpies keeper Karl Darlow has a cracking barnet.

Ref Mike Dean looks like he's going to tear it up on the pitch. Fierce.

Jonathan Pearce
Match of the Day commentator at Carrow Road

"This is huge. It's the first of three successive relegation six pointers for Norwich. A win, followed by victories at Crystal Palace and home against Sunderland, should see them nearly safe. If they lose, I fear for them.

"Defeat for Newcastle would leave them six points adrift and almost certainly facing the drop.

"Having 13 players out recently has been an obvious handicap but the squad has too many who are no longer good enough for the Premier League, or never were. The scattergun transfer policy has been ruinous."

What other than "thrown in at the deep end" can I use?

Chris Sutton
Former Norwich striker at Carrow Road for 5 live Sport

Image source, Reuters

"It's glorious weather here. What a crunch game this is this afternoon. There is so much to play for. A lot can be decided this afternoon - if Norwich beat Newcastle they'll think they have a great chance of staying up."   

Image source, Getty Images

Norwich's Alex Neil has stated that the game is more important to Newcastle than his team. So a shrug of the shoulders if you lose Alex?

"Looking at the table, Newcastle probably need to win the game more than us," he said. 

"But it would be an absolutely crucial win if we could go and get it."

Wouldn't it just.

Norwich and Newcastle fans are a frustrated lot, so vent that frustration using #bbcfootball, external or text in on 81111 (UK only).

As tempting as it is, don't swear.

Norwich make three changes from the win at West Brom with Andre Wisdom, Ryan Bennett and Steven Naismith all starting.

Image source, .

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez makes five changes. Papiss Cisse starts in attack, with Aleksandar Mitrovic on the bench.

Midfielders Cheick Tiote and Vurnon Anita also come in as does defender Steven Taylor. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow comes in for the injured Rob Elliot.

Image source, .