Newcastle United host Sunderland at St. James’ Park on Sunday, looking to bring an end to their dreadful derby record
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris (left) and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe will have spent the last few days at the drawing board looking to ensure Newcastle United come away with all three points from their Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland. The defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League was a brutal blow for the Magpies in midweek, but a win against their arch-rivals would be the perfect tonic.
Of course, it won’t be a walk in the park. Tyne-Wear derbies never are, and history certainly isn’t on Newcastle’s side, having gone ten games without a win against the Black Cats in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, Howe has a proven track record of breaking long-standing records during his time in the St. James’ Park dugout – winning the Carabao Cup.
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Here, ChronicleLive takes a look at three ways Newcastle can exploit Sunderland’s weaknesses this weekend.
Gordon’s pace in behind
It’s no secret that Newcastle have struggled for goals from strikers this season, but Anthony Gordon has led the line well in recent weeks. Nick Woltemade may be champing at the bit to start this game and put right his own goal from the reverse fixture back in January, but the England international may just prove key.
Sunderland have several injury concerns at the back, which we’ll touch on shortly, and Regis Le Bris could be forced to name a weakened defence without Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard and Reinildo. The consensus is that the latter of the trio will be deemed fit to start, while the other two are doubts.
That would mean Luke O’Nien or Lutsharel Geertruida is likely to start in the heart of defence, neither of whom possess a great deal of pace. Nor does the rest of Sunderland’s back line for that matter.
It’s a real strength of Newcastle’s when executed correctly, but they Howe knows his side will need to find the creative keys to unlock a mid to low Sunderland block. Gordon’s movement up front – if he is picked to lead the line – will have a massive say in move the Black Cats’ defence out of possession.
Anthony Gordon before a Newcastle United game(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Making the most of injury nightmare
As mentioned above, Sunderland are in the midst of an injury crisis, and it’s no real surprise their form has slumped in recent weeks. The Black Cats could be without as many as ten key players for the trip to St. James’ Park, while Newcastle’s treatment table looks a lot healthier than it has in recent weeks.
Of course, Sandro Tonali is a doubt for the game, while captain Bruno Guimaraes won’t be passed fit. Winning the midfield battle will be crucial to deciding the outcome of the game, but set pieces will also play a major role.
If Mukiele is out of the game, Sunderland will be missing their long throw expert, along with a threat in the box from free-kicks and corners. Ballard is another who has been imperious in both boxes this season and is a doubt for the game.
Newcastle should have aerial superiority and need to make the most of set pieces and their height advantage – especially with Dan Burn on the pitch.
Dan Burn of Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)
Win the midfield battle
Sunderland came out on top in this area of the pitch at the Stadium of Light earlier this season, though all three Newcastle midfielders who started that came are likely to miss the derby.
It means they won’t get an opportunity to redeem themselves, with responsibility falling to another. Granit Xhaka is a wiley fox in the Black Cats midfield and the energy of Noah Sadiki in and around the Swiss international gave the Wearsiders the upper hand back in December.
However, with Joelinton, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey the most likely midfield trio – Newcastle will have plenty of energy in their midfield engine room to disrupt Sunderland in what will be a key battle.