English Premier League Preview: The Tyne-Wear derby
St. James’ Park is the venue for the derby between North-East rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC in the English Premier League. Hostilities will resume in the Tyne-Wear derby after a season's absence, in which Sunderland enjoyed the rare luxury of being able to look down a division on their bitter rivals. Newcastle were relegated to the Football League Championship in 2008/2009, but the Magpies managed to bounce back to the top-flight football in the next season.
11th placed Newcastle United lie 2 positions behind Sunderland, but the two teams are only separated by a single point. After registering an Andrew Carroll-inspired victory at West Ham and a win on Sunday, the Toons would not only restore local bragging rights but offer the added incentive of leapfrogging the Black Cats in the table.
Although they have gone 7 matches unbeaten in the Premier League, but Sunderland's record against their fiercest rivals, appropriately for a match on Halloween, isn’t exactly awe-inspiring. The Mackems, haven’t won at St. James’ Park since 2000, and have recorded just 3 wins in 16 Premier League encounters.
Sunderland manager, Steve Bruce grew up at the north-east, but remarkably this will be his first taste of a Tyne-Wear derby.
Steven Taylor is not yet ready to make a return from the shoulder injury that has ruled him out since January last season. Former Arsenal player and veteran defender Sol Campbell will also miss the match due to a thigh problem.
Kieran Richardson may feature for Sunderland after recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered last month. Striker Fraizer Campbell and midfielder David Meyler are still absent, but winger Ahmed Al-Muhammadi has recovered from a foot problem.
Andy Carroll has been carrying Newcastle’s goal scoring burden; his winner against West Ham was the 5th time he netted in. Although Striker Darren Bent has not been on top of his form lately, he still remains Sunderland’s top scorer this season with 5 goals.
Newcastle United’s probable starting line-up: Tim Krul, Daniel Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Jose Enrique Sanchez, Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan, Cheick Tiote, Jonas Gutierrez, Andrew Carroll, Shola Ameobi.
Sunderland’s probable starting line-up: Simon Mignolet, Nedum Onuoha, Michael Turner, Titus Bramble, Phillip Bardsley, Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, Jordan Henderson, Lee Cattermole, Steed Malbranque, Daniel Welbeck, Darren Bent.
Match Prediction: The derby will be a fiercely fought affair and the Toons might emerge as the eventual winners by 2-1.
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