Sunderland to have deciding factor on their side in tense showdown vs Newcastle – Bromley’s Blog
After the dust had settled on Sunderland’s incredible Championship Playoff final win versus Sheffield United, fans of both the Black Cats and Newcastle began to think about the return of Wear-Tyne Derbies to the football calendar.
If you spoke to a Sunderland fan, though, in the summer before their crazy summer transfer splurge, most would have been cautiously optimistic at best for these two fixtures.
It is well documented that newly promoted teams have floundered in the Premier League over the last couple of years, and pundits alike had already written Sunderland off before a ball was kicked.
But something weird happened, and Sunderland were actually far better than anyone, even of a red and white persuasion, could have expected.
I admit it, Newcastle should win
For that reason, this weekend’s Wear-Tyne Derby has become a fascinating contest – some are even saying that Regis Le Bris’ men are favourites to win the fixture!
But what are the facts? And are Sunderland actually likely to leave the Stadium of Light with all three points at the weekend?
Well, I think it has to be said that if Newcastle play at their absolute top level, they will likely win the game. They have world-class players on the pitch who have oodles of Premier League experience and big game experience.
Fortunately, though, for Sunderland fans, the Magpies have been nothing short of woeful on the road this season, with just one win so far in the Premier League.
Let’s not forget as well that Le Bris’ men are undefeated at home this season. They have taken wins against West Ham, Brentford, Wolves and Bournemouth – while avoiding defeat against Aston Villa and Arsenal this season.
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Sunderland have ace up their sleeve – and it’s the home fans
Sunderland are also prolific scorers of late goals this season, while Newcastle are leakier than a bucket with a hole in it when the time ticks past the 80th minute.
Eddie Howe’s team clearly have an advantage in their talent, but the mentality is something that Sunderland have an edge on against their rivals.
Of course you also have to mention the Stadium of Light as a factor. It has been a cauldron of noise all season and you have to expect this weekend that the atmosphere could be a deciding factor if the game is tight.
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