Gary Neville makes surprise reveal live on Sky Sports ahead of Sunderland vs Newcastle
Sunderland are all set to face Newcastle United in the Wear-Tyne derby, with Gary Neville making a surprise reveal ahead of kick-off.
Regis Le Bris has gone with Brian Brobbey up front for the most important game of the season, reverting to a four-at-the-back formation as the hosts look to attack their arch-rivals from minute one.
It’s the first time that Sunderland have faced Newcastle in the Premier League since 2016, with Jermain Defoe and Aleksander Mitrovic both on the scoresheet that day in a 1-1 draw.
The Black Cats are just a point above Newcastle in the table ahead of the contest, and will be hoping to extend that gap with a famous derby day win.
Gary Neville ‘doesn’t understand’ Sunderland vs Newcastle atmosphere
The Wear-Tyne derby is a huge occasion, and arguably one of the biggest and most entertaining games across the whole of the English football pyramid.
Newcastle and Sunderland have played out some thrillers in the past, with both sets of supporters creating a superb atmosphere.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s game, former Manchester United defender Neville revealed that he has never covered the Wear-Tyne derby in his 13-year punditry career before today, which in itself is surprising.
The ex-England full-back added that he doesn’t understand the atmosphere around the game yet, but will be far more clued up by full-time.
He said: “It’s the first time I’ve been to this game in my life. I’ve been at Sky for 12, 13 years and done plenty of Merseyside derbies, Manchester derbies, North London derbies, but I’m looking forward to this.
“Sunderland have been outstanding since returning to the Premier League, so I’m looking forward to it.
“You can feel the atmosphere building outside. I don’t understand it because I’ve never done it, but I’ll understand it at 4pm today.”
Sunderland can thrive with underdog tag vs Newcastle
Newcastle head to the Stadium of Light as big favourites over Sunderland, but Le Bris’ side will surely be confident that they can pull off a shock victory.
The Black Cats have been superb in their return to the Premier League, and there is no doubt that the Magpies will be acutely aware of the challenge that awaits them on Wearside.
It feels as if the likes of Granit Xhaka are built for a game against Newcastle, and that Sunderland have a side with all the tools to cause problems for the visitors.
With the backing of over 40,000 Mackems in the stadium, the hosts will look to fly out of the blocks and put Howe’s side under immediate pressure.
But on the basis of what we’ve seen from Sunderland this season, there is no reason why the Black Cats can’t come away with all three points.
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