Newcastle face Sunderland this weekend in the Tyne-Wear derby in what is being billed as the most important Tyne-Wear derby in history, with both clubs battling to keep their Premier league status.
Newcastle fans will be excited to see new manager Rafa Benitez in the home dugout for the first time since taking over from the former-England manager Steve McClaren. With the appointment of the former-Liverpool manager and the all important Tyne-Wear derby, the atmosphere at St James’ Park will be electric.
Only one point separates the rivals, who are also battling with Norwich City for the one place that can secure Premier league football, and many believe that the winner of the derby will stay in the Premier League.
So, ahead of the derby, we asked some of the Read Newcastle team to tell us their thoughts and predictions for the game.
Which one of our Read Newcastle team do you agree with? Get in touch via Facebook or Twitter.
Michael Brown - Editor
The only feeling I’m getting is that we will win. Rafa has come into the club which in itself is a massive coup for the club and I think the influence that he can have on the whole club will keep us up, but this derby means everything to the fans and the fact that both clubs are battling to survive.
Rafa has had a full week with the players I think we will see a massive difference from the performance against Bournemouth. The signs are there that Rafa is slowly improving the team.
I’m going with a 3-0 win for Newcastle and Mitrovic to have a massive influence on the game.
Rhys Melhuish - Editor
Nobody needs me to tell them just how important this weekend’s game is. It’s almost impossible to predict what’s going to happen!
There were definitely signs of improvement at Leicester, and I expect St James’ to be absolutely rocking on Sunday.
Allardyce will have his side set up to frustrate us – there’s no doubt about that. I hope the home crowd and the “new manager syndrome” will push us to win.
If we can nick an early goal I think we’ll control the match and win 2-0.
Caspar De Wesselow - Writer
We all know that our track record has not been good in the derby over the last few seasons, but I think the Rafa effect will come through on Sunday. I believe the Spaniard has the tactical nous to lead us to a long overdue Derby win. Georginio Wijnaldum to refill his goalscoring boots and the Toon to sneak it 1-0.
Alex Vergette - Writer
Rafa’s tidied up their defence, so this week, with the focus in training being on attack, Mitro might come good. Sissoko certainly will.