Sunderland head for Carrow Road looking to get back on track in the Championship after three successive defeats, but face a tough test against and in-form and improving side.

Norwich are unbeaten in five and have won their last three games under David Wagner.

Ahead of Sunday's early kick-off, we spoke to Connor Southwell, chief Norwich City writer for the Pink Un, to get the lowdown on the Canaries.

What’s changed under David Wagner and what can Sunderland expect of Norwich on Sunday?

I don't think it is a stretch to say that the impact he has had since arriving at Carrow Road has been transformational. In nine games, only Middlesbrough and Burnley have taken more points than Norwich.

Wagner has constructed a clear, attractive and effective style of play but has also seemingly helped repair the disconnect that was growing prior to his arrival. Players have improved, the performances have improved and supporters have responded in kind.

Whilst the data sample isn't big enough for us to assess whether this is just a new manager bounce or something more sustained, the optimism has grown substantially since his arrival.

As he displayed at Huddersfield, he is a master at communicating his message and including supporters. Since being appointed, he has cultivated a positive spirit and forged a relationship with fans that his predecessor made little attempt to achieve.

Sunderland can expect a vibrant, energetic Norwich side who are full of confidence backed by a crowd really buying into the new regime. They have momentum and forward thrust in bucketloads at present.

Wagner has called on fans to play their part at Carrow Road. What sort of atmosphere can Sunderland expect?

To tell you the truth, the atmosphere at Carrow Road hasn't been particularly impressive this season - largely due to underperformance and a rejection of Dean Smith's style of play. It's even been flat under Wagner at points.

When there is expectancy and winning is deemed to be the norm, that sets a high bar that Norwich have found difficult to surpass this season. Excitement and enthusiasm has been in short supply.

Installing a drum has created an uplift - and atmospheres have been better in recent weeks. But nowhere near the levels that NR1 has experienced in times of the past.

That is probably why Wagner is so keen to make that rallying cry and get the crowd geed up for Sunday's clash. This is a big game. I would expect his message to be received positively and Carrow Road to be bouncing come midday on Sunday.

Who are Norwich’s dangermen and in-form players?

When Teemu Pukki plays at this level, he has to be considered a dangerman. Even amid what is, by his standards, a dry patch of sorts - his movement and game intelligence prove so dangerous to opposition defences.

The Finn made his 200th appearance at Millwall last weekend and looked desperate for a goal. The one thing he has shown throughout his Norwich career is that these patches without a goal don't tend to last for long. Josh Sargent also looks poised for a return to fitness this weekend.

In terms of in-form players - look no further than Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara, who has produced a frightening performance level since Wagner's arrival at Norwich. He has been a bit of a slow burner after a £6million move from Sao Paulo last summer as a result of Norwich's increasing work in South America following Brexit.

He is grabbing games, driving Norwich forward and beginning to add goals to his game. I'd encourage anyone who enjoys football to consume his strike at Millwall last weekend. He is resembling a Premier League player currently.

The other would be Onel Hernandez - who finds himself in a real purple patch since Wagner's arrival at Norwich. In nine games, he has recorded five assists and one goal. For a winger who has always received criticism over his end product, the uplift has been both surprising and welcomed. Much like Norwich, the question now is whether is can be sustained. 

How do you expect the rest of the season to play out for the Canaries?

At one stage, it felt like the season was meandering out to a mid-table finish but Wagner's arrival has given them an uplift. I think you would be brave to bet against them in terms of the play-off race.

They have hit form at the right time and are timing their run to perfection. Whilst looking increasingly likely, it is not nailed on. That is why this weekend's game is another huge test for Norwich. Most viewed this two-week block starting with Millwall away and culminating this weekend as critical to their top-six aspirations if only to change the mood around the season.

There is still so much work to do but for the first time this season, there is a real belief that they can still make something of this campaign.

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What’s your view on Sunderland, the season they’ve had and what do you expect from the visitors on Sunday?

Sunderland are a massive club - whenever they are in the Championship they are expected to compete at the top end of it.

But I'm using the measuring stick of being a newly promoted club that has had to endure massive upheaval with Alex Neil departing and it's hard to be anything but impressed by what they have managed to achieve this season.

Yes, the current form isn't great but Tony Mowbray has overseen a level of continuity that has been impressive and, arguably, that the club have required for some time.

Ross Stewart's injury has clearly impacted the way they want to play and build up, but there is still a chance of finishing inside the top six and most Sunderland fans would have taken that as this stage, I believe.

Coming to Carrow Road at this moment is tough for any Championship side - but I'd expect to see a response from Sunderland.