Newcastle United fans do not see eye to eye with Jordan Pickford, but they will agree with his assessment of the Tyne-Wear derby.
Jordan Pickford has never played in a Tyne-Wear derby, with his only ever involvement coming as a substitute in March 2016 when Rafa Benitez’s side and Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland played out a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
That was the last time that Newcastle United and Sunderland met in the Premier League, but that will change on 14th December. The local rivals are set to face off at the Stadium of Light, as they battle it out for North East bragging rights.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates during the Tyne-Wear derby as Newcastle United beat Sunderland in the FA Cup.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jordan Pickford picks Newcastle United vs Sunderland over Liverpool vs Everton
For Pickford, he will only watch the game as a spectator. His professional commitments remain with Everton, who have their own derby day against Liverpool.
But which is the best, the Tyne-Wear derby or the Merseyside derby? According to the Everton goalkeeper, there is only one answer.
Pickford was asked to pick between the two during a quickfire questions video on the Rising Ballers TikTok channel, and his response was emphatic.
“Tyne-Wear, Wear-Tyne,” he said.
It is amusing Pickford quickly changed his phrasing to put Sunderland first, having initially given Newcastle United top billing!
There was also no hesitation when it came to picking the North East affair, despite being an Everton player since 2017 and featuring in 20 games for the Toffees against Liverpool.
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Jordan Pickford praises St James’ Park
The 31-year-old was then asked to name his toughest away day.
“I think St James’ Park is tough,” he said.
Despite Pickford picking St James’ Park as his toughest away day, his record at Newcastle United is pretty mixed.
He has represented Everton seven times at St James’ Park, winning three times, losing three and drawing one.
Pickford has not lost away to Newcastle United since October 2022. Eddie Howe’s side won 1-0 on that occasion, with a Miguel Almiron curler handing the Magpies all three points.
The goalkeeper’s next visit to Tyneside will not be until 2026, with Newcastle United hosting Everton on 28th February next year.
The two sides meet on Merseyside before then, with Newcastle set to make their first appearance at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 29th November. That game will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK, kicking off at 5:30pm.