Newcastle United fans could be forgiven for feeling very nervous ahead of the first Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League in nine years.
For Sunderland, it’s a free-hit. They are clear of any relegation worries and are already enjoying a brilliant season.
Newcastle United, however, have it all to prove. Though brilliant on their day, Eddie Howe’s side have struggled away from home all season.
Anthony Gordon is Newcastle United’s best hope of beating Sunderland on Sunday. Prove me wrong.
The main character energy will hit different on Wearside 😍
Still, perhaps too much has been made about their respective starts to the season.
As good as the Black Cats have been, they sit only one point above a frustratingly inconsistent Newcastle side in the Premier League table.
Ryan Taylor, a Newcastle hero in this fixture, believes that should be talked about a lot more ahead of Sunderland vs Newcastle United.
Ryan Taylor suggests Sunderland are being overrated ahead of Newcastle United clash
Taylor, who scored a memorable free-kick against the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light in 2011, was speaking to Sky Sports on Friday.
While he did concede that the fact that Sunderland haven’t lost a home game this season is impressive, he suggested people aren’t paying enough attention to the table.
The fact is that they are just a point above a Newcastle team who haven’t really got going yet.
Taylor added that he hoped Newcastle win, which isn’t all that surprising.
“Still yet to be beaten at home, but everyone goes on about how well they are doing, but there’s only one point difference,” he said.
“I hope Newcastle get the win at the weekend and we can reverse those roles.”
So much has been made about the midfield and goalkeeper selection dilemmas, but who are you starting in central defence?
Sven Botman doesn't look like making it 😟
I’m going with Thiaw and Burn. Is that harsh on Fabian Schar?
Newcastle United looking to extend record that has lasted 127 years against Sunderland
Newcastle’s recent record against Sunderland is poor, almost historically so in the context of a fixture that has been played for 127 years now.
Indeed, the Magpies have lost their last three league games on Wearside, which is as many as they had done in their 21 visits there beforehand.
Still, Newcastle have never lost four consecutive league games at the home of their greatest rivals.
It simply has never happened before in this fixture and Sunday would be a poor time for it to start.
It is worth remembering that Howe’s side generally show up for the big games. Their mentality might be questioned at times, but there’s not many big games that pass them by.
Though this game is worth more than just three points, going above Sunderland in the table would be a big mental boost.
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