For the first time in almost eight years, Newcastle United face Sunderland on Saturday, and the mood among the Toon Army is a mix of excitement and complete dread.
The Magpies are the massive favourites for the FA Cup clash at the Stadium Of Light. They are a Premier League club that were recently competing in the Champions League, while they take on a side that resides in the Championship and has not featured in the top flight since 2017.
But this is a derby. Anything is possible. And Newcastle’s recent record in this fixture is appalling.
United have not beaten Sunderland since 2011, when a Ryan Taylor free kick secured victory on Wearside for Alan Pardew’s side.
This time there is a massive gulf between the two sides, which has only increased the pressure on Eddie Howe to get a result.
He simply has to win, and pundit Chris Sutton believes he will do exactly that.
Chris Sutton thinks Newcastle will win against Sunderland
Chris Sutton has predicted the results of this weekend’s FA Cup third round ties for BBC Sport. He has backed Newcastle to win 3-0 against Sunderland.
“Mick Beale has just gone in at Sunderland after Tony Mowbray was harshly sacked as manager and this would be a massive win for him, but Newcastle need this even more,” he wrote.
“In fact, it feels like this is one they have to win, because their rivalry is that intense.
“Newcastle have lost in round three to League One sides in each of the past two seasons, and Eddie Howe loves to make lots of changes for these ties – but he cannot do that this time, in the position they are in, so I think they go full strength, and go through.
“But, even if they lose, I am not buying into any suggestion that the Magpies need to change their manager. We know they are on a bad run, but I think they should stick with Eddie Howe and most of their support is still with him.”
Newcastle simply must win the derby and advance in the FA Cup
A 3-0 win at the Stadium Of Light would be absolutely perfect, and it would be the type of result that could really galvanise a team that has seen their season somewhat unravel over the past few weeks.
The derby comes at a terrible time for Newcastle, but it also gives Howe a chance to relieve the pressure. That pressure is mainly coming from the media, but it will certainly intensify if his side are dumped out of the FA Cup by Sunderland.
He does have injuries to contend with. Callum Wilson is unavailable for the game, while it is unclear whether or not Kieran Trippier will be fit to face the Black Cats.
But Newcastle should have enough, shouldn’t they? Surely they will have enough… My word, derbies are awful.
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