For the first time as Newcastle United manager, Eddie Howe is going to face Sunderland on Saturday.
At a time when he is starting to come under a bit of pressure from the media, Eddie Howe has to deal with a match that he was probably never expecting.
Thanks to the luck of the draw, Newcastle are taking on Sunderland in the FA Cup. It is the first meeting between the two sides since 2016, and a lot has changed since then.
Both clubs have been relegated, with Sunderland going as low as League One. And both clubs have undergone changes of ownership, with Newcastle now having the tag of ‘richest club in the world’.
As for Sunderland, their fans are currently furious with their owners after they allowed the Stadium Of Light to be redecorated with Newcastle artwork ahead of the Magpies’ visit this weekend.
It is all going wrong off the pitch for the Black Cats, but Eddie Howe has complete respect for them on it.
Eddie Howe praises ‘very good’ Sunderland
Ahead of Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby, Howe spoke to the media and gave his verdict on what Sunderland are like as a team.
“Sunderland are a very good team, full of young and bright prospects,” he said.
“We do not underestimate the challenge; we have given them full respect in our preparation.
“But, of course, it is going to be about what we can do and how we can play and execute our plan.”
It is all about how Newcastle perform
While Newcastle are the clear favourites, Howe is right to be wary of Sunderland – like he would any opponent.
They have some very exciting players, while they played great football under previous manager Tony Mowbray.
Jack Clarke will be their dangerman, with the winger in fine form heading into Saturday’s game. He’s scored 12 times this season and has three goal contributions in his last three games.
But, as Howe says, it is about what Newcastle can do. If they play to their strengths and rise to the occasion then the game is there for them to win.
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