Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford nailed his colours when asked to name his favourite derby duel
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford has been asked to compare the Merseyside and Tyne-Wear derbies
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Throughout Jordan Pickford's storied career, he's played in and watched some of the most passionate derbies in English football. The Everton goalkeeper has appeared in 20 Merseyside derbies against Liverpool, but when questioned about how that compares with Newcastle vs Sunderland, there's only one victor.
In a quickfire social media interview for Rising Ballers contrasting the two big derbies, the 31-year-old replied without pause: "Tyne-Wear, Wear-Tyne."
Despite Pickford's definitive answer, the England number one has never actually played in a Tyne-Wear derby, although he was an unused substitute in March 2016, the previous occasion the bitter rivals clashed in the Premier League.
Born and raised in Sunderland, Pickford represented the Black Cats from 2011-2017 and has consistently been outspoken about his allegiance to his local club.
He'll approach Sunday's encounter brimming with optimism, given Sunderland's impressive start to their Premier League return, having seen his boyhood club rise up from League One.
Sunderland's Daniel Ballard (left) and Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon clash
Pickford will be rooting for Sunderland in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby
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This match at the Stadium of Light could see the hosts climb to fourth in the Premier League standings with victory. They sit one point clear of rivals Newcastle ahead of the weekend's action.
Sunderland have emerged as the unexpected success story in the top flight thus far, with many anticipating that they would follow the established trend of newly promoted teams battling to stay up.
Jordan Pickford of Everton clashes with Joel Matip of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield in April 2022
Pickford has made his presence felt in Merseyside derbies over the years
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However, they've established themselves as contenders for European qualification whilst maintaining an unblemished home record at the Stadium of Light.
When the two teams clashed in the FA Cup third round in 2024, Pickford made his feelings about the derby abundantly clear. He told beIN SPORTS: "Personally, in the country, I don't think there's a bigger derby."
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Jordan Pickford of Sunderland looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 21, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Pickford, pictured playing for Sunderland in 2017, hasn't actually played in a Tyne-Wear derby
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However, before Sunday's eagerly awaited encounter, Pickford's focus will be on west London as Everton face Chelsea on Saturday.
The Toffees' stopper has recorded six clean sheets in 15 Premier League outings this campaign and has been instrumental in the Blues' excellent start to the season, with the club sitting just two points adrift of the Champions League spots.
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