Neil Warnock’s R’s (1/6 Outright) moved 10 points clear at the top of the Championship thanks to Saturday’s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace, but the rest of the top-seven sides failed to win, which gives Paul Lambert’s men a huge incentive to go three points clear of the pack with just nine games remaining.

Lambert is set to name an unchanged side following last Tuesday’s impressive 3-2 win at Leicester for the game as Norwich chase a first league double over the Robins in 21 years.

However, while Norwich have enjoyed success on the road in recent games, they seem to be struggling to secure points on home soil having been held to 1-1 draws by struggling Doncaster and bottom club Preston in their last two outings at Carrow Road.

Despite those slips the Canaries are still unbeaten in six games and have only lost once in 15 to show they have what it takes to stay the course for a place in the Premier League.

Bristol City will not be a pushover for Norwich as they have virtually banished any relegation fears with a four-match winning run lifting them towards mid-table.

Keith Millen’s side have not won five on the bounce in more than two years, but are more than capable of taking maximum points in East Anglia given that they have won on their last two trips to Carrow Road.

The Robins will hope to be boosted by the return of loan defender Steven Caulker following a hip problem, while Liam Fontaine is battling to shake off an ankle injury.

Nicky Maynard (7/1 First Goalscorer) could be the danger man for Bristol City as he has found the net three times in as many games since returning from a long-term injury problem and he could be one to watch when the action gets underway.

Prediction: Draw @ 13/5
Value Bet: Maynard 1st Goal 2-2 Draw @ 66/1

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The influential duo both returned to full training on Friday after shaking off injuries and Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects them to be in contention for the Stadium of Light showdown.

Ferdinand has not figured since the goalless draw at Blackburn because of a groin injury while Rooney, who appears to have got over the ankle injury he suffered against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, has also had a groin problem.

United’s leading scorer missed the win over Spurs last week but did start against Manchester City the week before and Fergie is hopeful his recent injury woes are now behind him.

“Wayne missed last week’s game against Tottenham to allow the ankle to settle,” he said.

“We don’t have any issues with that now. Hopefully he is okay.”

Ferguson will keep a close eye on the pair over the next few days but it is thought they could both start against the Black Cats as United aim to keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top (United to win 2-0 – 5/1 on totesport).

“We will see how they do but we have a couple of days,” the Scot added.

Chelsea are a point clear ahead of this weekend’s fixtures but could extend that to four if they manage a win at Liverpool earlier on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville has become the latest United veteran to agree a contract extension at Old Trafford after it was confirmed he has signed a new one-year deal with the champions.

The 35-year-old follows Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in committing himself to the club until the end of next season.

The full-back has enjoyed a return to regular action in the second half of the campaign and his form has been so good he has even been mentioned as an outsider for England boss Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.

Ferguson is delighted the experienced defender has signed on although he admitted he was concerned at one point that injuries would cut his glittering career short.

“We worried about him coming back,” said the United boss.

“When you are out for 18 months in your mid-30s it is a concern.

“You don’t worry about Gary Neville’s commitment and his endeavours to get back from injury. He is more determined than any of us.”

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