By Nathan Smith As the days tick by, the first instalment of the Tyne-Wear derby slowly looms on the horizon. The result of the region, the game neither side dares losing, the pivotal fixture in both clubs seasons. But how do we fare going into such a colossal game? Form Form wise both clubs are coming off hidings from the Manchester clubs. Neither side, especially us, have really got going yet. Injuries and fixture pile up have prevented us from finding any sort of rhythm. This is exactly the sort of fixture which can kick start our season – very much like last year. We can all still hear the infamous young Mackem’s three words “Yerrrr Ganna miss” as he so eloquently put it before the birth of “Over The Wall”. Can you imagine the shock horror on that lad’s face, when the ball rippled into the back of the net? He probably dropped his cheesy chips! Do we start Shola? The biggest question on most Mag’s lips is whether we start the Mackem Slayer or not. Shola recently celebrated his 31st birthday (belated birthday present goal?). Does his extraordinary record of seven goals against the unwashed make him a no-brainer for the derby? Or do we throw the Mackem Slayer on as an impact sub late in the match to terrorize? I’m caught within two minds. Shola was born for these games. He’s also got more of an understanding with Ba, who will be chomping at the bit to make amends after missing that penalty last year. For me, I’d go with these two. Cisse still looks a shadow of his former self and he isn’t a bad sub to call upon. We also have that midweek Europa game he can play in, and hopefully he will get a goal to help rebuild his confidences and form. Attack So I’ve gone with Pardew’s tried and tested 4-4-2. Ba and Shola complement each other well in attack. Jonas has been woeful as of late, but his appetite to work for the team and win free-kicks gets him the start. Cabaye and Cheick are the real heartbeat of the team. The mixture of Yohan’s impressive repertoire of passing matched with Cheick’s tiger-ish tackling makes them a formidable partnership. Then we are left with maverick Ben Arfa – one of the most naturally gifted players in the Premier League. He is a genuine match winner. The ease he beats defenders with by a simple drop of the shoulder and the close control of a football whilst running at top speed makes him as fearsome as anyone in world football. Defense To say our defense has been depleted would be an understatement. We have had rotten luck with injuries in this area. It is vitally important that our proper defense take to the pitch on Sunday. For how brilliant Perch can be, he isn’t a centre-back and Williamson is a liability when Colo isn’t beside him. The return of captain Colo is a massive boost. He is such a cool, calm and composed figure. Fabricio’s presence is a reassurance to the rest of the team. Lastly; Taylor and Simpson, the latter of who is unfairly held as the scapegoat when things aren’t going our way. For his faults (mainly his inability to cross the ball) he has done a tremendous job for the money we paid for him. As for Taylor, he is prone to letting his brain fart on occasion. However, he is a real local lad. This game means a lot to him and he will make sure the lads around him know it. I wouldn’t put it past him netting a goal in to be honest. Finals thoughts On paper, if we turn up and play to our potential we are simply too much for Sunderland. However, it’s never that simple, especially when it comes to derby games. The frantic atmosphere makes these games chaotic and anything can happen. Looking at the SMB’s record under Martin O’Neill, one win in 14 and a ridiculous amount of draws, it wouldn’t surprise me if a point a piece was the outcome. But I fancy us to have too much for them. 2-1 The Toon! What’s your prediction for the weekend’s game? Let us know your thoughts? Author: Nathan Smith is a 22-year-old Newcastle fan living in London. He’s supports the Toon because of his nan and has done since he was 6-years-old. His favourite memory is watching Newcastle play at the old Wembley Stadium.
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