Weekend 5/1 Acca | Jack Wright

Last time out, Sunderland stunned Swansea City by coming back from two goals down to win 3-2 and keep in touch with the top of the Championship. A return of seven points from a possible nine sees the Black Cats in fourth and just two points off the automatic places. The Stadium of Light has become something of a fortress this season with Regis Le Bris yet to see his side taste defeat in any of their 10 games on home soil.

Norwich have been awful on the road and have not won any of their last seven away games. Kenny McLean’s absence cannot be overstated – as the Canaries have collected just two points from the six matches he's missed through suspension this season. The potential absence of goalkeeper Angus Gunn compounds their vulnerability, considering they failed to win any of the six matches he missed earlier in the campaign. Sunderland's wealth of match-winners will make the difference here.

The Championship leaders have been a model of consistency. Chris Wilder's men have compiled a 10-game unbeaten run, winning eight of those fixtures. Their ability to secure three points against Plymouth without key players demonstrates their squad depth, resilience and determination to “find a way to win”.

Erol Bulut was sacked in September following Cardiff's worst start to a league season, but the club have only this month appointed interim boss Omer Riza as manager on a contract until the end of the season. After an initial upturn in form the Bluebirds are now winless in seven league games and have lost their last three at home conceding seven goals in the process, scoring just once. Their position just one point above the relegation zone, combined with being the joint-lowest scorers in the division, suggests a team lacking both confidence and firepower. Sheffield United side have already won 14 of their 21 Championship fixtures. Expect the league leaders to extend their impressive run in Wales.

While Port Vale's recent form has slightly dipped with three draws and a defeat, their overall performance this season remains positive, sitting second in League Two. Their previous run of six wins from seven demonstrates their capability when firing on all cylinders, and this fixture presents an ideal opportunity to rediscover that winning formula.

Carlisle's appointment of Mike Williamson has failed to provide the expected bounce, with just one victory in 12 league games highlighting their deep-rooted issues. Their away form is particularly concerning, with five defeats in nine road trips. The recent 2-0 home defeat to Chesterfield highlighted their struggles at both ends of the pitch and an experienced Vale side can take full advantage to get back to winning ways.

*Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+ only. GambleAware.