Match Preview
Never have the stakes in a Tyne-Wear derby been higher. With the top-flight statuses of either of these two sides far from secure, a win is imperative for both. Should Newcastle continue their near-five year stranglehold over this fixture and add to their six games without defeat against the Black Cats, Alan Pardew's men can start preparing for next season. Should Sunderland upset the apple cart however and come away with victory, only two points would separate these two great rivals, dragging the St James' Park club back into the mire as a result. High stakes, high drama, could we have asked for a better North East derby? As if this fixture needed any added spice, the figure of Paolo di Canio is bound to stir up a hostile reception when he emerges to take charge of his second game at Sunderland, and he couldn't have asked for a bigger game. Considering even a section of his own fans are yet to take to him following his much-publicised political ventures previously, the fiery Italian could take a massive step toward winning over those in the terraces by claiming a vital 3 points against the most loathed of enemies. But while di Canio is new to this derby encounter, Pardew is a well-versed veteran. This is his fifth experience of these often ill-tempered occasions, and he's yet to be beaten in one.
Predicted Scoreline
Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland With neither of these two sides certain to remain in the top flight, I predict a tight and tense affair. Neither side will want to lose and as such could cancel each other out. A draw suits neither, but I predict both to stay up this season.
All statistics courtesy of the bbc