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"It is pretty much wrapped up if Norwich win and Newcastle lose.
"Sunderland have still got some tough fixtures and from psychological point of view, it is not a must win game as such but a game that both managers would love to win but don’t want to lose."
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I spoke to John O'Shea at the start of last season. I asked him why Sunderland were always in a relegation mess and he assured me it would not be the case in 2014-15. He was adamant but again, they went close to the drop, finishing 16th.
The fact is, Sunderland and relegation go together like Thelma and Louise, like Mickey and Minnie, like Torvill and Dean, peas and carrots.
Their last three finishes read 17th, 14th, 16th. Defeat today and they are looking nailed on to finally marry relegation and be done with it.
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There's a carnival atmosphere planned for Carrow Road today.
As the players warm up - Norwich in a circle bouncing around on the spot - Sunderland in a square doing sprints, the yellow and green seats slowly fill.
Fans have been handed inflatables and clapsticks today so expect it to look something like Disney land and sound like the London Marathon. As long as there's no Vuvuzelas in the house I'm fine.
Now, speaking of Disney...
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Right, you know where I am. Send me your thoughts on this relegation humdinger.
We're on #bbcfootball or on text at 81111.
We have just one change to discuss across the both teams and it's in the Norwich back line.
Defender Timm Klose was "wrapped in cotton wool" according to manager Alex Neil but it's done him no good. He's out, in comes Sebastien Bassong.
Sunderland are unchanged but fans' favourite Duncan Watmore is back on the bench.
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But Norwich and Sunderland don't care one jot that Aston Villa's famous name will feature alongside Brentford and Huddersfield next season. This is all about them, when relegation knocks at your door, you tell it to get lost and kick and punch it up your driveway no questions asked.
There's so much on the line, I fancy a red card in this one today. Team news next.
Did you know? There has been a red card in three of the last four Premier League meetings between the Black Cats and the Canaries.
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That last banner of course belonged to Aston Villa supporters.
Can you blame them? The Villa have been frankly pathetic this season.
This is their 28th-straight season in the top tier, a run that will end next season as if Norwich pick up a point today, the Midlands club are relegated.
Villa won the European Cup in 1982. Time waits for no man.
Failure today and both Norwich and Sunderland players know reactions like this may not be a billion miles away...
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Relegation can do strange things to a fanbase. Even the most loyal can be turned.
Don't mess it up lads. That aching you feel in your shoulders, that's the weight of expectation on you. An honour passed from supporters and given to you in trust. Don't mess it up lads.
Welcome to the pain game.
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You want to watch but you just can't. A season hangs in the balance. The embarrassment of relegation looms large. What stick will you take in work? What will that annoying brother in law have to say to wind you up? These games are cup finals and league title bonanzas all in one. Lose them and what does the future hold for your club?
Welcome to the pain game.
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