Newcastle United against Norwich City

Norwich send plenty forward for a free kick which drops dangerously in the box, but Newcastle clear and break...

Double change for Norwich as Olsson and Dorrans come off for Jerome and O'Neil.

Newcastle could get even more today -- Wijnaldum intercepts and sprints forward on the counter before finding Mitrovic. His attempt to find the Dutch midfielder with a cross is put out for a corner.

Nine minutes to go and the pace has settled somewhat -- Newcastle are sitting deep and allowing Norwich plenty of the ball, but three goals now is surely too big an ask.

Elliot needs treatment now after being clattered in an aerial challenge with Bassong -- he's bleeding around his right ear, and gets treatment on the pitch.

A handy statistic from Opta Sorts now -- Sissoko has three assists today, which is only the second time a Newcastle player has done this in a single Premier League game. The first time? Andy Cole in March 1994.

Sissoko isn't done yet as he tries to twist his way into the Norwich area, but the ball is pinched away and the visitors get forward to win a corner.

Brady shoots from range with his right foot, but Elliot is down well to save low to his right. McClaren is animated on the touchline, and won't be certain of the points just yet considering his team's defending.

Norwich aren't accepting defeat just yet -- Mbokani rises to meet a cross and head at goal, but Elliot is out to bravely save with his face. Martin then has a golden chance to nod home from the corner, but completely misses his header from five yards out.

What a stunning game this has been -- rarely will a Premier League side have played quite so badly and have netted five goals. Still, as strange as Newcastle's performance has been, Norwich has been abject at the back.

Off the post for Norwich! Redmond gets away on the right and cuts back an acute cross-shot which hits Elliot's right-hand post, but nobody is on hand to finish the rebound!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Dorrans, meanwhile, was booked in among those goals for a rash challenge on Perez.

Alex Neil will be furious -- his Norwich side were in complete control for the first 19 minutes of the second half, and now find themselves three goals behind the hosts. The defending from the visitors has been diabolical.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> FIVE for Newcastle! Wijnaldum nets a hat trick! Norwich are cut to pieces with Sissoko again marauding towards goal -- he plays the ball to Wijnaldum, who tees up Janmaat for a cross and runs to meet the delivery with an unmarked header!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Newcastle make it 4-2! Norwich have had all of the ball, but the Magpies make them pay . Sissoko is at the heart of things again, winning the ball deep and playing a one-two with Perez before sending Mitrovic through, and the striker smashes home a half-volley from 18 yards!

Perez offers some much-needed pace and wins a throw high up the pitch -- Norwich make their first change, with Tettey off for the Canaries' chief creative talent Hoolahan.

This Newcastle side are a bag of nerves -- Elliot shanks his goal kick clean out for a throw-in, and the home fans are getting restless.

Redmond goes for goal from 22 yards out on the right, but he never set himself properly and drags a weak effort yards wide of Elliot's left-hand post.

Janmaat is once again beaten by Olsson down the flank and concedes a free kick near the byline, but Redmond instead goes for goal from an acute angle and the ball flies over -- what a waste.

Olsson again has time on the left to deliver a cross towards Howson, but Newcastle are sharper to the threat this time -- but still the visitors control possession as the Magpies can barely get out of their own half.

Brady's delivery is cleared, and Newcastle ease the pressure by winning a free kick close to the halfway line. Norwich have have 64 percent of the ball in this half, and the Magpies need a response.

Norwich are really going for the equaliser now, with Redmond dancing away in the area to win another corner.

Off the line! Wijnaldum has two goals today and stops his side from conceding a third, blocking Bassong's header to protect Newcastle's slim lead.

Norwich threaten as Whittaker gallops onto a pass, but Sissoko tracks him -- the visitors then carve open Newcastle and Redmond is in on the right, but Coloccini blocks his cross from the byline really well.

Sissoko continues on from his superb first-half display by playing a one-two with Anita and cutting open Norwich's defence with a lovely pass, but there's too much on it for Perez to fashion a chance and he instead forces a corner.

Ruddy collects the corner and tries to start a quick counter with a punt upfield -- it doesn't come off, and Dorrans concedes a free kick for the Canaries.

There's no ill-effects for Bassong as he surges forward and curls in a cross from the left, but Newcastle clear their lines, break, and win a corner following a fine pass from Janmaat. Yes, you read that correctly.

Bassong jogs off to the touchline and rejoins play -- he seems fine to continue, if a little unsure of his jawline after that clash.

Former Newcastle man and current Norwich defender Bassong is down injured and needs treatment -- he clashed heads with Mitrovic, and is up getting his teeth checked out by the club doctor.

Newcastle get the second half underway, with McClaren substituting Tiote -- booked early on -- for Anita.

Dorrans curls a cross into the box, but there's no Norwich runner and Elliot collects... and that's the interval. What a half!

Perez takes an unbelievable touch to set up a shooting opportunity, but sees his initial effort blocked -- he lines up the ball to then curl it into the top corner from 15 yards out on the left, but gets it all wrong as it balloons over the bar.

Three minutes of added time at St James' Park due to the deluge of goals.

Brady wastes the free kick with an awful low punt at a teammate which Newcastle clear -- what a waste from a promising position.

Olsson has the beating of Janmaat today, turning away from the defender and crossing for Mbokani -- he can't get a header on goal, but Norwich win a free kick 25 yards out on the left.

Colback almost turns himself into trouble under little pressure, but recovers and the ball finds its way to Janmaat on the right. Can you guess what happens? He plays another terrible cross which is easily cleared.

Perez and Mitrovic look a promising combination today -- the former looks to play in the latter, but the ball runs through to Ruddy. They earn hearty applause from the Newcastle fans for the idea, though.

Wijnaldum is searching for his hat trick here after fine work from Perez on the right flank -- his cross is chested down by Mitrovic, but Wijnaldum can only shank over from 12 yards with his left foot.

The defending today has to be seen to be believed -- Janmaat doesn't seem to understand what playing at right-back entails -- stopping the left winger -- while the Norwich back line look like they're asleep. It means that it's a superbly entertaining match though.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Norwich hit back yet again! Olsson has so much space on the left wing to control a pass and line up another superb cross, and Redmond is on hand at the back post to sidefoot past Elliot!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Three for Newcastle! Sissoko is on fire today as he gallops forward and feeds Perez -- the young Spaniard sees his first effort from 20 yards blocked, but he picks up the rebound and drags his effort across Ruddy to make it 3-1!

Redmond threatens as he dribbles in from the right flank and shoots, but his effort is blocked and Newcastle break...

There's a break in play as Mbokani goes down in pain following a naughty challenge from behind. Mitrovic was the culprit, which isn't that shocking considering his disciplinary record.

Norwich want a penalty as Olsson heads a corner towards the back post, and Howson tries to get his head on it from close range but goes down. Replays show Janmaat tugged his shirt -- the Newcastle defender was perhaps a little fortunate there.

Norwich threaten again as Howson gets some space 18 yards out and smashes a volley at goal -- it hits Coloccini and deflects just wide.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Wijnaldum adds a second for Newcastle! There seems to be no danger from a throw-in on the right, but Sissoko turns his man and clips in a superb cross from Wijnaldum to rise and head home from 10 yards!

Brady delivers a high free kick from the left wing, but Elliot is loud and out to claim confidently. Norwich have recovered strongly following that early setback, and Newcastle need to regain their composure.

This is an open game -- Perez is through onto a hopeful long ball and should shoot on the volley, but waits to try and control before Norwich defender recover. Then the visitors get forward again, but the hosts survive.

Newcastle started brightly but they are leaving so many gaps in the final third -- Janmaat in particular was guilty of getting drawn inside to allow space for Olsson to overlap for the cross there.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Norwich threatened moments ago and are now level! Brady has time and space again to wait for the overlapping run of Olsson, who delivers a sensational cross from the left for Mbokani to tap home from three yards out!

Off the post! That's so very nearly the response Nowrich needed... Brady picks up the ball in acres of space 35 yards out and goes for goal, rattling the woodwork with Elliot at full stretch. A stunning effort, but no joy for the Canaries.

Norwich have to respond here -- they just haven't kept up with Newcastle's blistering start. Alex Neil looks unsurprisingly angry on the touchline, while that goal will do the world of good to Steve McClaren.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> That's the lead Newcastle deserve! The hosts work the ball around the area before Sissoko dummies a shot and slips a delightful ball through to Wijnaldum, who makes no mistake by drilling the ball across Ruddy into the net from 10 yards!

Newcastle are having the better of the opening exchanges and almost go ahead following a fine Dummett cross from the left -- Mitrovic is almost on hand to tap home five yards out, but Norwich somehow scramble the ball away!

Alex Neil watches on as Ruddy and his defence needlessly put themselves under pressure from their own goal kick, but the keeper turns Perez and then clears. It's the keeper's 100th appearance, by the way.

Dorrans shows his strength in a battle with Colback on the Norwich byline -- the Newcastle man wants a corner as Dorrans seemed to take a touch, but a goal kick is given.

Sissoko is out on the right and looks for Perez makes a darting run inside, but it's just behind the Spanish forward. Mitrovic tries to get involved and then Norwich attempt to break, but Coloccini sees the ball out of play.

Brdy swings in the resulting free kick from the right flank, but it bounces through to Elliot who claims easily -- it's a big game for the 29-year-old keeper considering Krul's long-term absence.

Tiote goes in with a crunching sliding tackle on Redmond and picks up an early booking -- Redmond's heavy touch opened up the chance for Tiote to win the ball, but the Newcastle midfielder's challenge was rash.<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15">

Good work from the hosts sees Janmaat in space on the right wing, but he leans back and shanks a terrible cross high over Ruddy's goal -- awful considering how much time he had to pick out a teammate.

Whittaker takes out Wijnaldum with his shoulder as the midfielder attempts to break from inside his own half -- not the worst tackle in the world, but he may get booked for another like that.

Newcastle press early on with a free kick into the area and Norwich fail to clear the ball, but Mbemba sees a sliding shot blocked into Ruddy's hands.

Norwich get things underway at St James' Park, with both sets of supporters in fine voice.

The teams are out at St James' Park and we're almost ready -- this could well be a key match in McClaren's Newcastle career.

Norwich have had a better start having returned to the top flight this season with nine points from eight games, but have only picked up one point from their last two games. They'll be looking for a win to avoid getting drawn into a relegation dogfight later on this term.

Newcastle desperately need a result as they sit bottom of the Premier League with just three points from their opening eight games under McClaren, who is already under pressure. A win today would not take them out of the relegation zone, but would send them 18th -- two points from safety.

Meanwhile, Norwich boss Alex Neil makes three changes, with Jarvis, Jerome and Hoolahan on the bench as Olsson, Redmond and Mbokani start for the Canaries.

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren makes four changes as the Magpies seek their first win of the season. Dummett, Tiote, Colback and Elliot come in for Mbabu, Anita and Gouffran and Tim Krul, with the Dutch goalkeeper expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Norwich subs: Rudd, Wisdom, Jerome, Hoolahan, Jarvis, R Bennett, O'Neil.

Norwich XI: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Dorrans, Tettey, Brady; Howson; Mbokani.

Newcastle subs: Woodman, Anita, Lascelles, Haidara, De Jong, Thauvin, Cisse.

Newcastle XI: Elliot; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Dummett; Tiote, Colback, Sissoko, Wijnaldum; Perez, Mitrovic.

Join us for live commentary of Sunday's Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Norwich City, which kicks off at 16.00 BST / 11.00 ET.

Perez offers some much-needed pace and wins a throw high up the pitch -- Norwich make their first change, with Tettey off for the Canaries' chief creative talent Hoolahan.

This Newcastle side are a bag of nerves -- Elliot shanks his goal kick clean out for a throw-in, and the home fans are getting restless.

Redmond goes for goal from 22 yards out on the right, but he never set himself properly and drags a weak effort yards wide of Elliot's left-hand post.

Janmaat is once again beaten by Olsson down the flank and concedes a free kick near the byline, but Redmond instead goes for goal from an acute angle and the ball flies over -- what a waste.

Olsson again has time on the left to deliver a cross towards Howson, but Newcastle are sharper to the threat this time -- but still the visitors control possession as the Magpies can barely get out of their own half.

Brady's delivery is cleared, and Newcastle ease the pressure by winning a free kick close to the halfway line. Norwich have have 64 percent of the ball in this half, and the Magpies need a response.

Norwich are really going for the equaliser now, with Redmond dancing away in the area to win another corner.

Off the line! Wijnaldum has two goals today and stops his side from conceding a third, blocking Bassong's header to protect Newcastle's slim lead.

Norwich threaten as Whittaker gallops onto a pass, but Sissoko tracks him -- the visitors then carve open Newcastle and Redmond is in on the right, but Coloccini blocks his cross from the byline really well.

Sissoko continues on from his superb first-half display by playing a one-two with Anita and cutting open Norwich's defence with a lovely pass, but there's too much on it for Perez to fashion a chance and he instead forces a corner.

Ruddy collects the corner and tries to start a quick counter with a punt upfield -- it doesn't come off, and Dorrans concedes a free kick for the Canaries.

There's no ill-effects for Bassong as he surges forward and curls in a cross from the left, but Newcastle clear their lines, break, and win a corner following a fine pass from Janmaat. Yes, you read that correctly.

Bassong jogs off to the touchline and rejoins play -- he seems fine to continue, if a little unsure of his jawline after that clash.

Former Newcastle man and current Norwich defender Bassong is down injured and needs treatment -- he clashed heads with Mitrovic, and is up getting his teeth checked out by the club doctor.

Newcastle get the second half underway, with McClaren substituting Tiote -- booked early on -- for Anita.

Dorrans curls a cross into the box, but there's no Norwich runner and Elliot collects... and that's the interval. What a half!

Perez takes an unbelievable touch to set up a shooting opportunity, but sees his initial effort blocked -- he lines up the ball to then curl it into the top corner from 15 yards out on the left, but gets it all wrong as it balloons over the bar.

Three minutes of added time at St James' Park due to the deluge of goals.

Brady wastes the free kick with an awful low punt at a teammate which Newcastle clear -- what a waste from a promising position.

Olsson has the beating of Janmaat today, turning away from the defender and crossing for Mbokani -- he can't get a header on goal, but Norwich win a free kick 25 yards out on the left.

Colback almost turns himself into trouble under little pressure, but recovers and the ball finds its way to Janmaat on the right. Can you guess what happens? He plays another terrible cross which is easily cleared.

Perez and Mitrovic look a promising combination today -- the former looks to play in the latter, but the ball runs through to Ruddy. They earn hearty applause from the Newcastle fans for the idea, though.

Wijnaldum is searching for his hat trick here after fine work from Perez on the right flank -- his cross is chested down by Mitrovic, but Wijnaldum can only shank over from 12 yards with his left foot.

The defending today has to be seen to be believed -- Janmaat doesn't seem to understand what playing at right-back entails -- stopping the left winger -- while the Norwich back line look like they're asleep. It means that it's a superbly entertaining match though.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Norwich hit back yet again! Olsson has so much space on the left wing to control a pass and line up another superb cross, and Redmond is on hand at the back post to sidefoot past Elliot!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Three for Newcastle! Sissoko is on fire today as he gallops forward and feeds Perez -- the young Spaniard sees his first effort from 20 yards blocked, but he picks up the rebound and drags his effort across Ruddy to make it 3-1!

Redmond threatens as he dribbles in from the right flank and shoots, but his effort is blocked and Newcastle break...

There's a break in play as Mbokani goes down in pain following a naughty challenge from behind. Mitrovic was the culprit, which isn't that shocking considering his disciplinary record.

Norwich want a penalty as Olsson heads a corner towards the back post, and Howson tries to get his head on it from close range but goes down. Replays show Janmaat tugged his shirt -- the Newcastle defender was perhaps a little fortunate there.

Norwich threaten again as Howson gets some space 18 yards out and smashes a volley at goal -- it hits Coloccini and deflects just wide.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Wijnaldum adds a second for Newcastle! There seems to be no danger from a throw-in on the right, but Sissoko turns his man and clips in a superb cross from Wijnaldum to rise and head home from 10 yards!

Brady delivers a high free kick from the left wing, but Elliot is loud and out to claim confidently. Norwich have recovered strongly following that early setback, and Newcastle need to regain their composure.

This is an open game -- Perez is through onto a hopeful long ball and should shoot on the volley, but waits to try and control before Norwich defender recover. Then the visitors get forward again, but the hosts survive.

Newcastle started brightly but they are leaving so many gaps in the final third -- Janmaat in particular was guilty of getting drawn inside to allow space for Olsson to overlap for the cross there.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Norwich threatened moments ago and are now level! Brady has time and space again to wait for the overlapping run of Olsson, who delivers a sensational cross from the left for Mbokani to tap home from three yards out!

Off the post! That's so very nearly the response Nowrich needed... Brady picks up the ball in acres of space 35 yards out and goes for goal, rattling the woodwork with Elliot at full stretch. A stunning effort, but no joy for the Canaries.

Norwich have to respond here -- they just haven't kept up with Newcastle's blistering start. Alex Neil looks unsurprisingly angry on the touchline, while that goal will do the world of good to Steve McClaren.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> That's the lead Newcastle deserve! The hosts work the ball around the area before Sissoko dummies a shot and slips a delightful ball through to Wijnaldum, who makes no mistake by drilling the ball across Ruddy into the net from 10 yards!

Newcastle are having the better of the opening exchanges and almost go ahead following a fine Dummett cross from the left -- Mitrovic is almost on hand to tap home five yards out, but Norwich somehow scramble the ball away!

Alex Neil watches on as Ruddy and his defence needlessly put themselves under pressure from their own goal kick, but the keeper turns Perez and then clears. It's the keeper's 100th appearance, by the way.

Dorrans shows his strength in a battle with Colback on the Norwich byline -- the Newcastle man wants a corner as Dorrans seemed to take a touch, but a goal kick is given.

Sissoko is out on the right and looks for Perez makes a darting run inside, but it's just behind the Spanish forward. Mitrovic tries to get involved and then Norwich attempt to break, but Coloccini sees the ball out of play.

Brdy swings in the resulting free kick from the right flank, but it bounces through to Elliot who claims easily -- it's a big game for the 29-year-old keeper considering Krul's long-term absence.

Tiote goes in with a crunching sliding tackle on Redmond and picks up an early booking -- Redmond's heavy touch opened up the chance for Tiote to win the ball, but the Newcastle midfielder's challenge was rash.<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15">

Good work from the hosts sees Janmaat in space on the right wing, but he leans back and shanks a terrible cross high over Ruddy's goal -- awful considering how much time he had to pick out a teammate.

Whittaker takes out Wijnaldum with his shoulder as the midfielder attempts to break from inside his own half -- not the worst tackle in the world, but he may get booked for another like that.

Newcastle press early on with a free kick into the area and Norwich fail to clear the ball, but Mbemba sees a sliding shot blocked into Ruddy's hands.

Norwich get things underway at St James' Park, with both sets of supporters in fine voice.

The teams are out at St James' Park and we're almost ready -- this could well be a key match in McClaren's Newcastle career.

Norwich have had a better start having returned to the top flight this season with nine points from eight games, but have only picked up one point from their last two games. They'll be looking for a win to avoid getting drawn into a relegation dogfight later on this term.

Newcastle desperately need a result as they sit bottom of the Premier League with just three points from their opening eight games under McClaren, who is already under pressure. A win today would not take them out of the relegation zone, but would send them 18th -- two points from safety.

Meanwhile, Norwich boss Alex Neil makes three changes, with Jarvis, Jerome and Hoolahan on the bench as Olsson, Redmond and Mbokani start for the Canaries.

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren makes four changes as the Magpies seek their first win of the season. Dummett, Tiote, Colback and Elliot come in for Mbabu, Anita and Gouffran and Tim Krul, with the Dutch goalkeeper expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Norwich subs: Rudd, Wisdom, Jerome, Hoolahan, Jarvis, R Bennett, O'Neil.

Norwich XI: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Dorrans, Tettey, Brady; Howson; Mbokani.

Newcastle subs: Woodman, Anita, Lascelles, Haidara, De Jong, Thauvin, Cisse.

Newcastle XI: Elliot; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Dummett; Tiote, Colback, Sissoko, Wijnaldum; Perez, Mitrovic.

Join us for live commentary of Sunday's Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Norwich City, which kicks off at 16.00 BST / 11.00 ET.