Sam Allardyce reveals tactical experiment in training ahead of crunch Norwich clash

Allardyce kept the same starting XI for back-to-back Stadium of Light games against West Brom and Leicester, but he has been experimenting with different personnel and systems in training this week.

But with so much riding on a game which could see Sunderland move to within a point of fourth bottom Norwich or fall seven points adrift, Allardyce is considering any changes carefully.

“It’s a very delicate situation as a manager to make that decision, particularly as the game is so vital,” he added.

“We’ve looked at it, talked about it and done a bit of practice.

“That has got the lads thinking ‘am I or aren’t I?’ They don’t quite know at the moment.

“I’ve played around with it a bit and got them thinking a little bit.

“We’ll make that final decision today.

“We’ve got options and opportunities to change the system or personnel.

“It’s whether we consider it’s the right thing to do in such a big game. That’s our call.”