The latest Sunderland headlines ahead of this weekend's derby clash against Newcastle United.
The North East is set to come to a standstill once again this weekend as Sunderland travel to Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby.
It’s the Black Cats who currently hold all the bragging rights following a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light in December, courtesy of Nick Woltemade’s own goal. However, heading to St. James’ Park will be a whole different sort of challenge.
The atmosphere on Sunday will be electric and both sides will put it all on the line. But before the chaos begins, let’s take a look at the latest Sunderland headlines.
Kevin Phillips speaks from derby experience
One man who knows exactly how to get it done in this particular derby is Kevin Phillips. The former England international and SAFC record Premier League goalscorer bagged four goals in six appearances in this fixture back in the day - including the winner in a 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park back in 1999.
Phillips was a bit of a derby expert throughout his career, also scoring for Aston Villa against Birmingham City and for Southampton against Portsmouth - as well as against Middlesbrough in the less intense Wear-Tees derby.
The ex-striker believes this Sunday is the chance for one Sunderland player to ‘become a legend’ with some St. James’ Park heroics.
“You don't really become part of the furniture until you score a winning goal in a derby,” Phillips told the Daily Mail. “You take your standing to a different level. I was only at Aston Villa for a year and I didn’t play too many games. But what I did do that season was score the winning goal against Birmingham City at St Andrews. Whenever I bump into Villa fans, that’s all they ever remind me about.
“This Sunday is a chance for someone to become a legend.”
Regis Le Bris looking for ‘proactive’ derby performance
The atmosphere at St. James’ Park and the nature of the fixture mean anything could happen this Sunday.
Newcastle have been at their best this season when the game descends into chaos, allowing for individuals - especially Anthony Gordon - to wreak havoc in the final third.
With that in mind, a performance akin to that which earned Sunderland a 1-0 win away at Leeds United recently could be advisable, soaking up pressure and picking their moments to strike. ‘Managing momentum’ is Le Bris’ key concern.
"We have to be proactive, we want to show our qualities, we want to be intense with our way of playing. And after that, it will be a question of key moments,” he said.
"We'll have to manage the momentum because those games are always really intense. It might be a basketball game sometimes. Do we want to do that or not? It's up to us to decide sometimes."
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