What: English Premier League
Who: Newcastle United vs Sunderland
When: Sunday 4th March 2012, at 12.00 UK Time
Where: Sports Direct Arena, Newcastle, England
Still in Sight of the Top Four
As the spotlight shines on the woes of Chelsea and Arsenal in the race for the final Champions League qualification spot, Newcastle sit three points off the London giants, and still very much in the race for that all important fourth place. Chris Hughton’s controversial exit from Tyneside is all but forgotten now as his successor Alan Pardew has created a hard working outfit who have been the surprise package of this season’s Premier League.
Pardew understands his side are not in the best form after a recent 5-0 drubbing away at Tottenham Hotspur and allowing a two-goal lead slip at home against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers, and is urging a new leaf.
“We aren’t firing on all cylinders at the moment”, acknowledged Pardew. “I think our fans know that, we need to come into some form, really, if we are going to challenge the top half of the division”
First Tyne-Wear Tussle for O’Neill
New Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill will experience his first Tyne-Wear derby here, and the former European Cup-winning player will hoping to continue his impressive track record in local battles from his time at Aston Villa and Celtic.
The Ulsterman has already guided Sunderland through a Tyne-Tees derby against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, but this is the one that really matters to Black Cats’ supporters. Victory would truly consolidate Sunderland’s upward trend under O’Neill and also give the side’s fans cause to hope that next season could see them finish above the Magpies.
Yet despite the former Leicester City boss’ record in local derbies, O’Neill admits that these types of games worry him.
“I get very concerned about these games beforehand — which is a euphemism about being very nervous. It’s a big game we’re in for.”
Recent form
Newcastle United:
Newcastle United 2-1 Aston Villa (05/02; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 Newcastle United (11/02; Premier League)
Newcastle United 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers (25/02; Premier League)
Sunderland:
Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal (11/02; Premier League)
Sunderland 2-0 Arsenal (18/02; FA Cup)
West Bromwich Albion 4-0 Sunderland (25/02; Premier League)
Key absences
Newcastle United: Steven Taylor; Shola Ameobi; Leon Best; Nile Ranger (doubt)
Sunderland: Kieran Westwood; Wes Brown; Titus Bramble; Phil Bardsley (doubt); David Vaughan (doubt)
Players to watch
Newcastle – Cheick Tiote: Newcastle’s midfield general will need to be on top of his game in this local battle. The onus will be on the Ivorian to stamp his authority on the match and allow his more creative midfield partner Yohan Cabaye to dictate the play. Trying to stop Tiote from taking control of proceedings will be Sunderland’s very own midfield enforcer Lee Cattermole. If either Tiote or Cattermole finish the match without a booking, that can be considered an achievement in itself.
Sunderland – James McClean: The wide-man has been a revelation since O’Neill arrived at the Stadium of Light. Since his emergence into the first team, the former Derry City star has secured his status as a fan favourite at Sunderland. He has also become one of the Premier League’s most exciting young players. A potential match winner, Newcastle will need to keep a close eye on the pacey winger.
Match Prediction
The form of both teams has been mixed of late, with Newcastle being drubbed by Spurs recently while Sunderland were thrashed by West Brom last weekend. Arguably Newcastle have more at stake as they seek to qualify for the Champions League, however Martin O’Neill, a childhood Sunderland supporter, will understand what this fixture means to the fans and will be going all out for victory. A close encounter will finish one a piece.
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