Newcastle v Sunderland Preview
October 29th 2010 14:49
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
As a Newcastle United fan, this weekend brings the match I look forward to more than any other in a season, Sunderland at St James' Park. The game is as always, an early 1.30 kick off, and will be live on Sky Sports. Given our short stay in the Championship last season, this is the first Tyne-Wear derby in just over 18 months. With the teams separated by just one point, laying 7th and 9th in the Premier League table, this game is also of massive importance in the league as well as for bragging rights.
The rivalry between the two sides is so fierce, in fact even more so than I could have personally anticipated. Being a fan of the Toon, and going to University in Sunderland, I occasionally found out the hard way how deep the hatred goes. Put it this way .. never ever go out in Sunderland wearing a Newcastle shirt, not a good idea! In the 2008/09 season, the game at St James' finished in a 1-1 draw, a Shola Ameobi penalty salvaging a point for the Magpies. The game at the Stadium of Light, finished in a 2-1 win for Sunderland.
Trying to look at the match from a completely unbiased view, I'd have to say it looks very even going into the match on Sunday. Worryingly for Newcastle, their home form has been terrible since that 6-0 win against Aston Villa back in August. Defeats at home against Blackpool, Stoke and Arsenal have followed, and a last minute goal saving a 2-2 draw at home against Wigan. Worryingly for Sunderland though, they have yet to win away from home this season. Last time out on their travels, they were frustratingly held 0-0 at Blackburn, who played the whole second half with ten men.
I'd say that overall, the Sunderland squad is currently slightly stronger than Newcastle's. They have much more fire power, in strikers Darren Bent, Danny Welbeck and Asamoah Gyan. Where as there is perhaps more quality in Sunderland's ranks, Newcastle have plenty of huge characters, who will relish such a big match. The likes of Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll, will see this derby match as a chance to prove they, and the team, are back where they belong in the Premier League.
Though I'd love to be optimistic, and predict a Newcastle victory, I think a draw is the most likely result. Having said that, no result would surprise me, as the teams are very even. Given the magnitude of the game, and the passion involved, to a certain extent form goes out of the window. It is who wants it more on the day. And from a personal point of view, I sincerely hope that is Newcastle United.
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Comment by gpike
NBA Geek
sportsworld
Comment by gpike
NBA Geek
sportsworld