Local lad Jack Colback has put down a marker for this weekend’s derby by saying that Newcastle ‘owe’ Sunderland a response by finally putting this almost curse-like run of six defeats against the Wearsiders to bed.
The fixture is that little bit more meaningful for Jack as he has played for both sides and scored at St James’ Park for Sunderland in 2014. The toon have lost an astonishing six times in a row against Sunderland, something Rafa Benitez will want to end. And the omens look good for him as Sunderland have changed their manager before a derby on numerous occasions and went on to be victorious.
The Killingworth-born lad told the media: “It is massive for us regardless of the league position. (It’s) even bigger now with the position of both teams. Obviously, we haven’t won in a while against them so we certainly owe them one in that respect but also for the three points.”
Although Monday’s defeat to Leicester leaves Newcastle without any points in their last seven away fixtures, Colback believes the squad is improving under new boss Rafa Benitez and the rewards will come soon following a ‘solid’ performance against the foxes.
I thought we looked solid and didn’t really have too many problems apart from the goal. We just need to improve a bit going forward and show a bit more belief. We will get our rewards.
What is your prediction for the Tyne-Wear derby?
