- Newcastle take on rivals Sunderland on Sunday
- First derby at St James’ Park in ten years
- The game was originally scheduled for Saturday
The clash between Newcastle United and Sunderland is set to reignite one of English football’s fiercest rivalries this weekend.
The two rivals meet at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 pm following a change from the original slot. The timing has been adjusted to suit television coverage, with the match now broadcast live on Sky Sports a few hours before the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City.
Past issues
The earlier kick-off is commonly used for high-profile derbies. This helps manage crowd safety and reduce the risk of disorder during such an intense fixture.
The 2013 clash between the sides was famously overshadowed by violent scenes after the match. One Newcastle fan was so incensed at his team’s loss that he punched a police horse outside St James’ Park.
Newcastle is generally a welcoming city, with away fans regularly mingling with Geordies in the city’s pubs before games. But Sunderland supporters can expect a hostile atmosphere, as they will be escorted by the police to St James’ Park.
All to play for
This Tyne-Wear derby carries huge significance for both clubs, not just for bragging rights but also for their respective positions and recent form.
Newcastle head into the game looking to bounce back from a disappointing second-half collapse at Barcelona (7-2 loss) during the week. Manager Eddie Howe will be demanding a strong response from his players, particularly in a match that means so much.
Howe’s side lost the reverse fixture 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in December, and haven’t beaten Sunderland in the league for fifteen years. The Magpies know that a victory could quickly restore belief and momentum, especially after their Catalonian setback on Tuesday.
Sunderland arrive with their own ambitions and a point to prove. Although their recent performances have been inconsistent, recent history is on their side in the derby.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last ten league meetings with Newcastle. This includes their famous ‘six in a row’ run of derby victories between 2012/13 and 2015/16.
With a packed stadium and a fierce atmosphere, Sunday’s encounter could be a season-defining fixture for both clubs.
