An AI-generated image of Newcastle World journalists Jordan Cronin (left), Charlie Bennett (centre) and Liam Kennedyplaceholder image
An AI-generated image of Newcastle World journalists Jordan Cronin (left), Charlie Bennett (centre) and Liam Kennedy | ChatGBT
NewcastleWorld journalists Liam Kennedy, Jordan Cronin and Charlie Bennett give their Tyne-Wear derby predictions.
The wait is over - the Tyne-Wear derby is here. A region in lockdown as Newcastle United host Sunderland for the first time in a decade.
A wave of excitement and apprehension has engulfed Tyneside as Eddie Howe’s men aim to end a 10-game winless run against the Black Cats at Premier League level. In one final message before the big showdown, our team at NewcastleWorld have put their necks on the line with three ballsy predictions.
An AI-generated image of Newcastle World journalists Jordan Cronin (left), Charlie Bennett (centre) and Liam Kennedyplaceholder image
An AI-generated image of Newcastle World journalists Jordan Cronin (left), Charlie Bennett (centre) and Liam Kennedy | ChatGBT
Liam Kennedy
I'm sick to death of M*ckems saying NUFC fans are obsessed with them. What do you expect? It's a bloody rivalry. It's only natural to want the other one to fail. And I do, at everything. Every game, every week, every team, age group and gender. And gladly, Sunderland so often have in my lifetime.
Not this season, though, and especially not in December. It was a shameful episode for NUFC, the players and Eddie Howe - he got it totally wrong. He doesn't have the same latitude this time around. Pressure will mount if Newcastle flop - and deservedly so. The season will be as good as over, too - defeat would kiss goodbye even to dreams of Thursday nights in Kazakhstan.
I still dream, though, not of Almaty, of course, but Euro challenges in either of the secondary competitions. I'm not picky. Nor am I picky about the method of victory on Sunday. Anything else is unthinkable, and a comprehensive one is owed to fans after that Wearside whimper.
But, ultimately, all that matters is three points. And while defensive, drilled Sunderland could easily be Newcastle’s kryptonite, I'm backing the boys to get in front and inflict some late damage to pump adrenaline into a flat-lining Premier League campaign.
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-0 Sunderland
Charlie Bennett
A dogged win at Stamford Bridge and a valiant opening 45 minutes against Barcelona instilled unshakable confidence ahead of the derby. Newcastle United will smash them - there was never a doubt in my mind.
But as the second-half capitulation unfolded, the usual pre-Sunderland trepidation soon kicked in. Coupled with Sandro Tonali’s setback - which makes him a doubt for this afternoon - and Newcastle were up to their usual tricks of making life difficult for themselves.
However, Sunderland are not Barcelona. They are facing a sticky patch of their own - and a cauldron of Geordie fire awaits them at St James' Park this afternoon.
If ever a team needs its 12th man, today is the day. It is up to every Newcastle fan in the stadium to bring the noise. Remember how you felt after the derby defeat in December? Weaponise that vitriol when roaring on the boys in black and white.
Should the Magpies perform, they win. It really is that simple. How many Sunderland players make a combined XI? The last fixture was not won on guile, skill or finesse - but on fight, desire and a sheer willingness to win.
The M*ackems will make it ugly - that is my only fear. They are going to try and stink the place out and, so far this season, that has proven Newcastle’s Achilles heel. But I am confident the lads can burst down the Sunderland defences and feast on their favourite foe.
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Sunderland
Jordan Cronin
While I think Newcastle triumph, I’m not going to be as bullish with my prediction as these two. Sunderland will make life difficult. They are not going to pose the same threat as Barcelona in midweek by any stretch, but the Magpies will face a different challenge against their bitter rivals.
Anthony Gordon - if given the nod up front - must prove he has the guile and quality when facing a team that are not going to leave space in behind. But for me, Joelinton holds the key.
Newcastle’s bulldozing Brazilian has shown signs of his best form in recent weeks. He was built for these occasions. Unfortunate to be sidelined for the reverse fixture in December, Joelinton performing as well as he did against Manchester United and the first leg with Barcelona could be the game-changer.
This is a fixture Newcastle cannot afford not to win. The aftermath and wider picture of another derby defeat does not bear thinking about. Howay the lads - we’re all behind you. Make this city proud and stick it on the M*ckems from the first whistle.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Sunderland
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