Jobe Bellingham shares how Sunderland really feel about playing Newcastle in the FA Cup

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In a season of incredible cup draws, Newcastle United have a date with Sunderland in the FA Cup.

For the first time since 2016, there is going to be a Tyne-Wear derby, much to the delight of the Newcastle United players.

The local lads are buzzing to be playing against Sunderland in the FA Cup third round. Paul Dummett is delighted, while the new players have been filled in about how important it is.

The game will take place at the Stadium Of Light, much to the disappointment of Callum Wilson, who would prefer to be playing at St James’ Park where Toon fans would be in the majority.

Instead, we are heading to enemy territory, where we will hope to win our first derby since 2011. Our recent record in the fixture is appalling, while so much has happened to both clubs since the last meeting.

Jobe Bellingham excited about Sunderland playing against Newcastle

Sunderland will go into the game as underdogs, boasting the opportunity to cause a huge upset and claim bragging rights. Their status as a Championship club means that they will not be the favourites, but it sounds like their players are just as up for it as ours.

Jobe Bellingham has spoke to Sky Sports about the draw, and shared how he and his Sunderland teammates reacted when it happened.

“We couldn’t believe it when the draw happened,” he said.

“We were all as buzzing as you can imagine. Hopefully we can bring some pride to the fans.”

Newcastle must avoid complacency in Tyne-Wear derby

There appears to be no fear from a Sunderland perspective. Even if there was, they are hardly going to reveal that in a media interview, are they?

While Newcastle are obviously the much better team with the more talented players, anything can happen in a one-off cup game.

Before his sacking, Tony Mowbray had the Black Cats playing some good football, even if results weren’t going his way.

Now he has lost his job, meaning there will be a new man in the dugout for the derby. Who that will be remains to be seen.

But Newcastle have to be at their best. Despite the gulf between the two clubs, there must be absolutely no complacency – especially because we are away from home.

If we do not deliver, Sunderland will be there to take advantage, and another derby defeat after so long without one would be absolutely heartbreaking.