Newcastle United vs. Sunderland Preview

One of the most tense, passionate and atmospheric derbies in English football kicks off a tremendous day of Barclays Premier League action on March 4 as Newcastle United host bitter Wearside rivals Sunderland at St James’ Park.

The Magpies sealed a terrific 5-1 thrashing in last season’s corresponding fixture and inflicted further damage upon Sunderland earlier in the current campaign after a Ryan Taylor free-kick gifted them all three points at the Stadium of Light.

Alan Pardew’s men undoubtedly hold the upper hand over the Black Cats judging by recent head to head form, however Sunderland are likely to provide a much tougher test for the Toon to overcome now that Martin O’ Neill is in charge – and the Irishman will be relishing the challenge of trying to win his first Tyne/Wear derby as manager at the club.

And the sunderland players themselves will also be fired up to a greater extent than usual as they look to bury the last couple of results between the two sides.

Newcastle’s home advantage is of course a massive advantage in this fixture and it is no surprise to see the bookmakers install them as 11/10 favourites despite Sunderland’s huge upturn in fortunes since the start of the year.

Sunderland’s poor start to the campaign indeed left a big room for improvement and that has largely been fulfilled, whist the Magpies’ season has flat-lined slightly since their excellent opening which pitched them in amongst the top four.

Newcastle’s recent draw at home to Wolves was perhaps a fair reflection of their overall performance this campaign, as after beginning like a bullet they failed to maintain their high standard and let a two goal lead slip away.

Sunderland were somewhat surprisingly on the end of a 4-0 reversal away at West Brom in their last Premier League outing – however an F.A Cup comedown may go some way towards explaining that shock score-line and O’Neill’s men now have the perfect opportunity to bounce back in style – ahead of their important quarter-final against Everton.

Sitting ten points behind sixth placed Newcastle in ninth, Sunderland may also fancy their chances of overhauling the Toon if they can pull off a result at St James’ Park.

Essentially, there is probably enough to suggest why both teams can win this match and it is for that reason that a draw makes most appeal at 12/5.

Whoever fancies the occasion most may well edge proceedings by the odd goal, however in terms of ability it is fairly easy to surmise that both clubs are relatively evenly matched and together possess a wealth of tenacity and quality which should set up a real thriller – even if the score-line is likely to be low.

Those slightly preferring Sunderland’s chances can take the Black Cats with a goal start at around 4/6 and this offers some degree of betting stability with the notion that Newcastle will fight right to the final whistle in front of their raucous home support if they fall behind.

Go To bet365

#Ad

26/02/2012     © Frixo 2024