BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson is not going out on a limb with his prediction for Sunday’s Sunderland – Newcastle derby and like former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle yesterday he predicts a draw – a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Mark Lawrenson – predicts 1-1 draw – we’ll take it
While that would mean we have still won only two games in thirteen this year under John Carver – at least it’s not another defeat, but in order to hold onto our position of 12th we really need to start winning some games.
This is what Mark has said in his BBC column today:
“Good luck to new Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat on Sunday – what a mad fixture to face in his second game in charge.”
“He has a lot to live up to, because his predecessors Paolo Di Canio and Gus Poyet both had an excellent record against Newcastle, and Sunderland are unbeaten in a Tyne-Wear derby since October 2011.”
“That puts even more pressure on Advocaat, on top of the fact his side desperately need points in their fight against relegation.”
“Ultimately I think the Black Cats will stay up, because there are three teams who are worse than them – I do not see the current bottom three getting out of it.”
“But Advocaat has to be careful against the Magpies, who in contrast are under no pressure whatsoever.”
“He will have to make sure his players treat it like it is just another three points, which won’t be easy.”
And Phil Taylor of the BBC also thinks it will be a draw, 2-2, but not sure we can score two goals on Sunday?
The last time we beat Sunderland was actually on 20th August in 2011, when we won 1-0 thanks to a terrific goal from a free kick from Ryan Taylor after 62 minutes.
Since then we haven’t won and now have a four game losing streak going into this game.
There are reports that a win would help John Carver in his bid to get the head coach position permanently on Tyneside, but surely Carver has no chance of that now – well unless he can start winning more than half of the final eight games and even then it would be stretch.
[table “33” not found /]We’d be happy enough with a draw on Sunday, but the Newcastle fans really deserve a win, because of the last four derby games and because of our form and results this year – which have been atrocious.
So here’s hoping and almost as many readers think we will win this game as lose it.
How Will Newcastle Fare At Sunderland?
- Lose (42%, 1,443 )
- Win (37%, 1,290 )
- Draw (21%, 727 )
Total Voters: 3,460
Comments welcome.
6 comments so far
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Apr 3, 2015 at 8:49 AM
Comment #1Optimistic
I could be right there lad SKY run the premiership – thats why Man Utd are always at hope on Boxing Day and Easter – call me synical
Any way this coming derby – SAD FACT – I cannot get excited about it – just another game – and playing it at 4.0 clock on a Sunday absolutely stupid
optimistic prime
Apr 3, 2015 at 8:53 AM
Comment #2Charlie
Ye, a pure genius must have thought Sunday at 4 was the best time to kick off.
Who are we to know better 😉
optimistic prime
Apr 3, 2015 at 8:53 AM
Comment #3I’m excited mind 🙂
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Apr 3, 2015 at 8:59 AM
Comment #4optimistic
Wish I was – any way are you living up to your name for Sunday’s game – optimistic
Again – wish I was
optimistic prime
Apr 3, 2015 at 9:07 AM
Comment #5Charlie
I went to bookies yesterday to put 2-0 us Colback pen and Raylor free kick but they said I was to precise lol.
2-0 Raylor and 2-0 Colback.
They’ve stayed up last two seasons on the back of their wins over us, third time unlucky for them. IMO there doomed when we beat them.
Mister Tuff
Apr 3, 2015 at 9:08 AM
Comment #6jesper – previous post – well we can only hope that the multiples and WUMS realise that they are detrimentally affecting the blog and stop their mischief. The two current WUMS, who we all know, need to behave and stop their stupid posts which are designed to cause disharmony.
The multiples need to ask themselves what is the point of their actions- they are not achieving anything except mischief making to the detriment of the blog. If they like the blog they should stop their tricks and post under their original names.
The deployment of my jampot has revealed to me another multiple who has posted on here a long time. I will retain his other identity in the hope he stops his shenanigans.
So whilst it is early days -let’s see what develops.