This Sunday will see the biggest Tyne-Wear derby for years. Both Sunderland and Newcastle face each other at a time when both are in serious danger of dropping out of the Premier League. With the money that is coming into the top-flight from next season, which could reach £100 million to each of the 20 clubs participating, it has never been more important to stay up.
Not since the 1990 play-off semi-final, which Sunderland won after an epic two-legged battle, have the stakes been so high. Yes, there have been various other derbies where the points for one of the teams has been vitally important. For example, in recent seasons the Black Cats have faced Newcastle while in a relegation battle and beat them each time to help them stay in the Premier League. However, this time both teams are in deep trouble.
The last time this happened was in the 2008-09 season. In that season it was the Magpies who were relegated on the last day of the season, along with Middlesbrough. The Black Cats escaped with two points more than Newcastle. If the unthinkable happened and both teams went down it would not only be disastrous for both teams, but it could also be disastrous for the region itself. Football is a massive part of life in the North East of England and not to have at least one side playing alongside the elite of English football could be damaging for the clubs and those who work for them.
Going into the game, Sunderland are in the better form, but only just. They, like the Magpies, have won just once in six games, but they have only lost twice, compared to their counterparts’ five defeats. But as is the case with many derbies worldwide, recent form and past results can matter little.
At the moment it seems clear that Sunderland’s main January signings have settled in better than those at St James’ Park. Lamine Konè is quickly becoming a fan favourite with his no-nonsense defending and his threat in the opposition area. Jan Kirchhoff, after a nightmare debut, has settled in and is looking a real find at just £750,000 and Wahbi Khazri is looking good too.
The Black Cats are becoming far more difficult to beat under the guidance of Sam Allardyce but they are struggling to keep clean sheets, which in turn is turning potential victories and draws into draws or defeats. Allardyce knows his team has to rectify the situation and quick: “There’s only one area that I’m insisting that the players get better at and that’s clean sheets. It is the most important thing that they have to achieve. I think we’ve got enough in the tank to win games.” Allardyce also mentioned the consequences if Sunderland don’t’ begin keeping clean sheets soon, “If we go the last 12 games without a clean sheet, then we’re probably going to get relegated.”
With Rafa Benitez taking over the helm from Steve McLaren last week, Newcastle will be hoping that the ex-Liverpool, Inter and Real Madrid coach has what it takes to get their team out of trouble. However, he has never been involved in a relegation battle, unlike his counterpart on Sunday, Sam Allardyce who has been there and survived.
He currently has a win ratio of 40% in local derbies throughout the years, winning 20 games. He has also lost 20 games too. After watching his first game, the defeat to Leicester City, Benitez is confident that his new side can beat the drop.
A draw may not do either side much good. A victory would not guarantee survival but the momentum and confidence it will bring could be invaluable. Only the end result in a game that is without doubt the biggest Tyne-Wear derby for many years will matter.
