With the season drawing to a close and Norwich City's Premier League status hanging in the balance, this weekend's fixtures are vital in the race to avoid the drop. Here's how it could pan out for the Canaries.

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Norwich City's clash with Manchester United kicks off at 12.45pm on Saturday, meaning they could be out of the drop zone before their relegation rivals - Sunderland and Newcastle - kick off.

Alex Neil's side go into the game in 19th place with 31 points from their 35 games and a goal difference of -26 compared to 18th place Sunderland who have 32 points and a superior goal difference of -18 having played the same amount of games.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have a two point lead over City and a goal difference of -25 having played a game more than both their rivals.

As well as Saturday's early kick off at Carrow Road, already relegated Aston Villa play host to Newcastle while Chelsea visit Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The best possible scenario for City would see them take all three points from their fixture with United, while Newcastle and Sunderland leave their respective games with nothing to show for their efforts.

That series of results would not only move Norwich City out of the drop zone on 34 points, but give them a two point cushion over Sunderland and a one point advantage over the Toon.

But victory for the Magpies would see them reach 36 points with one game to play when they travel to White Hart Lane on the final day of the season.

The worst case scenarios for Norwich City would see the Toon and the Black Cats pick up maximum points while United enjoy victory at Carrow Road, leaving City marooned four points adrift of Sunderland on 31 points with Newcastle on 36 points.

If all three sides were to draw their fixtures this weekend, a 48/1 shot, the status quo is mainly unchanged ahead of Watford's visit to Carrow Road on Wednesday night, while at the same time Sunderland host Everton on what could prove to be a decisive night for Neil's men.

• Don't forget to pick up the new Pink Un mag and Saturday's Eastern Daily Press or Norwich Evening News for all the build up ahead of the match.