It’s been said that form goes out of the window when it comes to derby games. When two neighbours with a rivalry steeped in history and tradition collide, league position matters not. It’s an all out that requires extreme mental fortitude from the warriors on the battlefield and a heart that beats in tandem with those in attendance. Losing is not an option.
Winning is everything as Newcastle and Sunderland go head-to-head for the 146th time on Sunday in one of the most hotly anticipated Tyne & Wear derbies in recent history. Only three places and 10 points separate the two teams ahead of the North East’s premier fixture with the hosts looking to do the double over their rivals.
The Black Cats have been through the mill this season flirting with relegation under Steve Bruce before being rescued by Martin O’Neill who has lifted the club into the top half of the table and away from danger. Since arriving the Irishman has presided over a change in fortunes that supporters could only dream of during Bruce’s underwhelming tenure. O’Neill has done what his predecessor couldn’t and mould Sunderland into a team capable of playing good football and scoring goals. Last week’s 4-0 drubbing away at West Brom aside the Red and Whites have been in supreme form since the start of the year and will be out to enact revenge after the halloween horrorshow suffered at St James’ Park in the previous campaign.
Alan Pardew will be wary of that as he takes charge of his first home Tyne & Wear derby looking to maintain Newcastle’s push for Europe. The Magpies boss guided his team to a 1-0 success at the Stadium of Light back in August with the result proving to be the catalyst for an 11-game unbeaten run that saw the club rise into the Premier League top three. Their form has been patchy since Christmas but their record in derby games isn’t to be sniffed at. They’ll need to keep their concentration for the full 90 minutes on Sunday after throwing away a two goal lead against Wolves last week.
The return of Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote was a welcome boost for Pardew and he’ll be counting on the duo to keep Sunderland’s five man midfield in check. The titanic tussle between Tiote and Lee Cattermole will be a central feature and both players will be keen to stamp their authority on the game in the early stages meaning referee Mike Dean is likely to have his hands full. Newcastle’s record in this fixture is superb having remained undefeated in the six meetings with the Black Cats’ last victory coming in 1999 when Kevin Phillips curled home the winner for Peter Reid’s side in monsoon conditions. It proved to be the end for then boss Ruud Gullit with Pardew the 13th man to take up the managerial mantle at St James’. His first full season in charge has seen the Magpies maintain their position in the top seven although he’ll be ensuring his players are aware that form doesn’t count going into this game. Keeping their nerve will be the biggest test for O’Neill’s men after their collapse in this fixture last season.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-video’ align=’right’]
Newcastle Last Six: D L W W L W
Team News: £10 million striker Papiss Cisse should be fit to take his place up front alongside leading scorer Demba Ba after shaking off a groin injury. The Magpies are still without long-term absentees Sammy Ameobi, Leon Best, Sylvain Marveaux and Steven Taylor.
Key Player: Fabricio Coloccini
The Newcastle skipper hasn’t reached the heights of his early season form but remains a key member of a back four that has struggled in recent weeks. With Sunderland posing a serious goal threat Coloccini will need to hold his defence together and ensure Tim Krul enjoys a quiet afternoon.
Sunderland Last Six: L L W W W L
Team News: Titus Bramble and Wes Brown could return to the squad for this game but Phil Bardsley could miss out with a calf problem that forced him to sit out Scotland’s game in mid-week.
Key Player: James McClean
No one had heard of the Republic of Ireland winger before O’Neill introduced as a second half sub in his first game at Blackburn. McClean hasn’t looked back making the left wing position his own with a series of dazzling displays that led to his Ireland debut in midweek. He’ll be licking his lips in anticipation of going up against right back Danny Simpson who is seen as the weakest link in Newcastle’s rearguard.
Prediction
Arguably this is the hardest Tyne & Wear derby to call in recent memory. The resurgence of both clubs this season has been excellent for North East football and the region will be at a standstill on Sunday as the two meet at St James’ Park. Newcastle have won the four of the last six home derbies, scored in every Premier League meeting between the two and thrashed Sunderland 5-1 in this fixture last year. The chances of that scoreline being repeated is slim and it could turn out to be a real nail biter for supporters.
Score: 2-0
***
To get you in the mood click on the image below to see the Top 5 Newcastle goals vs Sunderland
