Current form means nothing in the Tyne-Wear derbies, and both north-east clubs are in a (big) slump at the moment.
In 12 games played this year Newcastle have only two wins, and in 15 games played this year Sunderland have only three wins, although two of those were in the FA Cup against Championship sides Fulham and Leeds.
Mike Williamson – played in lots of derby games
In the Premier League for 2015, Newcastle have taken 9 points from 11 games (two wins, three draws) and Sunderland have taken 6 points (one win, three draws) from 11 games.
31 year-old 6’4″ tall Williamson has played 163 games for Newcastle with one goal since joining us from Portsmouth just over five years ago, and he’s played in many derby games.
This is what Mike has said on nufcTV about the games against Sunderland:
“They’re right at the top,””From the training week leading up to it, the atmosphere is building. You can feel it in the City and it means a lot.”
“The atmosphere on the matchday is electric – fantastic for both sets of fans and players – and the games that I’ve played in definitely rank among the most important games.”
“I’ve played in quite a few before and I know what it’s all about. I know the meaning behind it.” “I think it affects people differently. It’s up to the management whether they feel they have to pump certain players up or calm certain players down.”
“Everybody goes about it differently but more than anything, it’s just about preparation, making sure we’re at optimum levels mentally and physically and making sure we all do our jobs.”
“You can look at history books or the form guide at the minute but I don’t think it really matters – nothing really contributes apart from on the day, who turns up, keeps their cool and capitalizes on any small margins,”
“I think you can rip the form book up when it comes to that game.” “It’s a great spectacle and I thoroughly enjoy playing in them; the atmosphere, the pressure and the intensity of it has always been brilliant.”
“It’s something to relish and hopefully we can get a positive result. It’s all about keeping your composure and making sure you can play under that pressure.”
Sunderland have done evry well against Newcastle and in the last four meetings they have four wins for 12 points, so Newcastle’s the club they have got the most points from over the last couple of seasons.
We’ll see if that continues on Sunday, but of course Newcastle are down to the bar bones again, thanks to a complete lack of ambition from those that run the club – make that Mike Ashley.
We’d take a draw on Sunday to be truthful, although obviously a win would be terrific.
Newcastle fans are not all that confident about the result on Sunday.
How Will Newcastle Fare At Sunderland?
- Lose (42%, 1,443 )
- Win (37%, 1,290 )
- Draw (21%, 727 )
Total Voters: 3,460
What do you think?
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8 comments so far
Jeff from Benwell
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:39 AM
Comment #1Advocaat thinks managing Rangers in the old firm matches has prepared him for this.
Having attended a couple while he was there I can tell him there is no comparison between Scottish clogfests and the EPL
Average_Contents
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:42 AM
Comment #2163 games too many.
How on earth has a sub standard defender like willo managed to rack up THAT many appearances for us. Wait! I know.
That’s alone is justification enough to string the slug up by his nads.
Shocking.
Average_Contents
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:46 AM
Comment #3I see google. Everywhere.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:47 AM
Comment #4Jeff…I would think not! I don’t believe there’s a Derby in all of England that’s anything like the Celtic Rangers derby!
…seeing as religion sadly plays such a huge part!
Jeff from Benwell
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:50 AM
Comment #5This is a quote from Advocaat 6 years ago
” I’m 62 now and if I come back to Glasgow it will only be to visit.
It’s nothing to do with Rangers – they are my favourite – but I don’t want to be involved in club football any more. It’s too intense.”
Oh dear Sunlan !!!
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:53 AM
Comment #6Jeff…you take a stand point until you take a new one!
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:54 AM
Comment #7…it’s not for life!
optimistic prime
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:56 AM
Comment #8Jesper
Being a wum is for life.