Premier League preview: Norwich City v Sunderland

Norwich City host Sunderland on Monday hoping to add to their first victory back in the English Premier League.

The Carrow Road outfit have enjoyed successive promotions under the guidance of Paul Lambert, rising from League One to the top flight in the space of two seasons.

Goals from Anthony Pilkington and Bradley Johnson helped Norwich defeat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 away from home on Saturday – their first victory of the Premier League season.

They face a Sunderland side who also got off their mark away from home, courtesy of a 4-0 win at Stoke City on Sunday.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce had come under early pressure following a winless start to the campaign.

But strikes from Titus Bramble, Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson and an own-goal from Jonathan Woodgate made it a handsome victory for the visitors to the Britannia Stadium.

Both managers will be aware of the need to build on their opening victories of the season.

Norwich’s dramatic rise from the third tier will afford Lambert some leeway as he looks to establish his team in the Premier League.

But Bruce, now into his third season in charge at the Stadium of Light, is likely to feel the spotlight return quickly if Sunderland do not continue to improve.

Norwich defenders Zak Whitbread and Elliot Ward could return from knee and hamstring injuries respectively in Monday’s match at Carrow Road.

Spanish centre-back Daniel Ayala remains sidelined with a knee problem.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon could be available for Sunderland, but is unlikely to displace incumbent Simon Mignolet.

Full-back Phil Bardsley is suspended, and fellow defender Marcos Angeleri is sidelined indefinitely with a knee problem.

Young midfielder David Meyler is also out, along with long-term absentee Fraizer Campbell.