Mel Reay(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Another international break is upon us, but not before a massive game on Friday night. Durham welcome Sunderland to Maiden Castle under the lights for the third 'River Wear Derby' of the season.
Postponed from the beginning of the year, due to snow, the game holds even more significance than it did originally.
The hosts are in ninth, one place and one point behind their visitors but have played two games more. It may be those two games that could make the difference on Friday and in the weeks following.
I'm commentating on the match and one of my first questions to my co-commentators will be whether there is any advantage having not played for a couple of weeks, being well-rested with no new injuries but perhaps not being entirely 'match fit', or whether having played two matches with good performances under the belt is better?
Sunderland have been frustrated by the weather; Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have both returned home having not kicked a ball at Eppleton in recent weeks.
I doubt they will be 'rusty' - head coach Mel Reay would not allow them to be - but the concern is that they will they be slow to start. The break, therefore, could be a disadvantage.
Durham have faced the top two in recent weeks, holding Birmingham at home then outplaying Charlton at The Valley, but ultimately returning empty-handed.
Their performances have been improving and were certainly back to their passing best last week. Mariana Speckmaier got her third of the season following an injury-affected first season; Lucy Watson should be credited with her third in three matches too.
Things are clicking for Durham as they were for Sunderland before their enforced break. It promises to be quite a game and an atmosphere - already heading for a sell-out - with a 'Well Being' event around it (a Sound Bath, an IfUCareShare stall and the European Championships Trophy on display among other things).
I'm looking forward to what will be a fantastic derby and a great advert for North East Football!
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