Newcastle vs Sunderland - Match Preview

Saturday April 19th, 2008 by Ed Harrison· 59 Comments

It promises to be nail-biting game tomorrow at St. James’ Park for the Newcastle Sunderland Tyne-Wear derby game.

As far as the Newcastle team goes, Kevin has already announced several days ago that he will filed an unchanged side that drew 0-0 with Portsmouth at Fratton Park last Saturday.

Stephen Carr is back after several weeks out with another one of his hamstring injuries, but still not available are Emre (ankle) and Claudio Cacapa (groin).

So we expect the Newcastle team and subs to be the same as they were last week in a 4-3-3 formation:

Steve Harper
Habib Beye Abdoulaye Faye Steven Taylor   Jose Enrique
Geremi   Nicky Butt   Joey Barton
Oba Martins    Michael Owen (c)    Mark Viduka
Subs: Fraser Forster Damien Duff   Alan Smith David Edgar   Andy Carroll

For Sunderland, Dwight Yorke is doubtful with a knee problem.

We expect Newcastle to continue from where they left off last week, and put pressure on Sunderland from the very first whistle.

Newcastle were well held last week by Portsmouth, but they are a much better team than Sunderland with classier players, and we expect Newcastle to eventually wear down the red and whites and get back on the goal trail again.

We’re sure Kevin will send the boys out looking for an early goal, which could settle the team down. But we have so many experienced players in the side, they will remain patient and playing their football until that first goal eventually comes along.

With Bolton winning today, Sunderland are now just 5 points above the drop zone, so it may be the relegation fight isn’t over yet, but with Reading unable to score in their last 4 games, they have to be favorites now to be relegated with Fulham and Derby County.

With Tottenham drawing 1-1 with Wigan today, Newcastle can go level on points with the Londoners with a win, but Spurs still have a much better goal difference.

But that has to be the aim for tomorrow.

All 3 points - nothing less.

Comments welcome.

Tags: Newcastle News · Match Preview

59 responses so far ↓

1 Spyro // Apr 19, 2008 at 19:57

cant wait
2 Nick C // Apr 19, 2008 at 19:57

Come on lads. We gotta do it. Got proper PMT already (thats Pre Match Tension, by the way)

2-1 to the Toon.

Where do any of you other lads sit at SJP? I am G111 East Stand. Right on the halfway line. Mint.
3 leavy // Apr 19, 2008 at 19:59

6 games ago id be shitting myself
now im 100 % sure sunderland will bottle it
they are a one man team
keep jones quiet and they will fall
they have viduka owen and martins to contend with
im confident it will be the loudest sjp for some timex
4 Spyro // Apr 19, 2008 at 20:02

Leavy it is never that simple in derbys though is it, in derbys anyone can be the match winning player
5 Geordie till i die! // Apr 19, 2008 at 20:04

going off the last 2 home games i’m going for another clean sheat, All the way, Absolute dead ert, Totally guranteed, Got 50 quid riding on 2- 0 Toon. TILL I DIE!
6 jezzer // Apr 19, 2008 at 20:04

5-0 at least owen hatrick,martins,beye
7 leavy // Apr 19, 2008 at 20:15

yh i suppose spyro but in terms of sheerclass andtalentjonesis the only one to worry about
cummon u toon
8 Leo // Apr 19, 2008 at 20:18

sports bar row R seats (im actually not sure the numbers because we have 4 and had them for a long time.) also i wouldnt want to give my identity out to people on this site if ive offended anyone i might get a drink spilt on me etc. lmao

although if i find anyone wasting lager i not be best pleased.
9 lee // Apr 19, 2008 at 20:43

3-0 to the toon
10 51times // Apr 19, 2008 at 20:47

Leo - Sports bar? Pfft, you’re probably one of these types who uses football to network rather than having any interest in the game it’s self.
11 CRAIGG // Apr 19, 2008 at 21:05

Milburn stand level 7 row C otherwise known as the vertical half marathon.

Thats a wee bit harsh, im Sure Leo will be just as much of a Ale swigging neanderthal as the rest of us.
12 Macca // Apr 19, 2008 at 21:22

I think we’ll win, I don’t think it’ll be easy. We have to, we HAVE to concentrate for the ENTIRE game, too many times we’ve lost concentration at the end of games especially if we’re ahead. There are some teams you can’t do it again, Man U because they keep on creating chances over and over again and then there’s Sunderland they’ve scored a lot of their goals in the dying seconds of the game. It’s vital that we don’t fall asleep because they’ll punish us. They grind out results and usually a player from absolutely no where scores a screamer. If we concentrate and work and give 110% for the ENTIRE games we’ll take the points but if we don’t they could well punish us.
13 ScottyT // Apr 19, 2008 at 21:37

am in leazes end nearest to east stand in the middle somwhere lol deent na wat level it is or w/e.

atmosphere aint gr8 there tbh but least a can see tha game a spose.
14 Ashton // Apr 19, 2008 at 22:02

we are interested in diego !

http://www.fansfc.com/frontpage/frontpagenews.asp?newsid=183871
15 CRAIGG // Apr 19, 2008 at 22:21

Scotty the atmosphere aint great anywhere anymore but i bet tommorow will be different

Mr Beane expect it both barrells
16 m. // Apr 19, 2008 at 22:21

I’m gonna hang out today with my girl, and drink some pints of broon - it’s quite expensive here in Brazil, 13 bucks a can, but I’ll have a few ones to get ready for the derby.
17 ScottyT // Apr 19, 2008 at 22:34

true craigg but the best atmosphere seems to be gallowgate and leazes level 7

nd aye will be tomorrow always is on tyne-wear derbies cant w8! howay lads!!!!!
18 Leo // Apr 19, 2008 at 22:43

51 times, ive just turned 21, networking is what i do best, i dont need them for business fool. family go… im one of two people who actually sings in my area, so dont give me sh1t for being in an area where some suits sit
19 Leo // Apr 19, 2008 at 22:45

craigg them seats are awesome, i sat there for the mancity match because we had family visiting and i said i would sit elsewhere, i sat on three rows from the back, best seats i think, but ma dad hasnt got the legs to go that high.

i read somewhere that the nearest seat that the away fans have is still almost a 1/4mile from the centre, might have been a half mile, but one thing for sure is its a distance.
20 ScottyT // Apr 19, 2008 at 22:53

i remember sitting on the 2nd row from the back of the milburn stand vs aston villa years ago before i got me season ticket. and yh haha it is like a marathon a was dizzy by the time i got up bt maybe that was the drink am nt sure lol

carl cort scord in tha game 4 tha record :S:S as well as a david james own goal a think haha
21 ScottyT // Apr 19, 2008 at 22:57

also watchin motd yet again boro hav full stands empty .. there fan support is embarassing
22 The black in the blacknwhite // Apr 19, 2008 at 23:23

I thought I d never say this but we should try and Buy Peter Crouch.. if not move heavan and Earth to get Berbertov

Crouch as improved- and i used to be one of his biggest critics- but i have been persuaded by his grit and determination and he looks technically better and getting header- a good replacement for Viduka

Berbatov- my 1st choice(dream- statement signing) is pure class- and he wants to be the greatest newcastle Striker of all time- we know this- he wants to come thats why hes looking so blank in N. London come on Demitre we need you

CAN YOU IMAGINE::

Matins Owen
Berbatov
23 Macca // Apr 19, 2008 at 23:38

Players that we need to watch….

Reid, has been very good for them, if he plays well, then Sunderland will play well.
Jones, the new Drogba apparently.
Murphy, has scored some screamers in their matches.

That’s 3 of many who will be dangerous. Cut off those 3 players and we should be ok.
24 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:06

It was a delaney own goal if i remember, Steven Glass scored as well LOL

Lads your right They are cracking seats but ive sat in the leazes a few times as well and ive never been in a seat that wasnt a good view at SJP which is different to some of the grounds ive visited away from home.

I hope this is readable ive finished of 3/4 a crate of carling and im about as steady on me feet as Steven Hawking on Crack !!!
25 shearer4pm // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:08

its the big day just

wish i was there lads, call me a supporter i know

but i live in somerset, and have to buy over the internet:(:(

and what a surprise it was a sell out:P, dw tho sky sports will not be switched off

wish i was there soo bad, damn
26 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:08

lucky stevie h has wheels to make sure he dont roll over after a night on the tiles haha…

3/4 crate of carling, duno why but i cant drink too much lager like, dnt have the belly for it, i get full too quick, drink as much vodka or spirits and it dont affect me, i dont get a handover then either.

lager is a different story, was out last nite for a bit had 5 pints and i was on the way haha
27 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:09

Ill tell you what how good did Lennon look tonight ive not seen him play that well since about a season ago and like you say Crouch was also impressive, as was Gary Cahill he could be a good signing if Bolton get the drop , If Brum go down sign McFadden and Zarate everyones a winner
28 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:10

i cant sleep btw, im probably just going to stay awake, i wish i had gone down stairs and put the boxing on setanta, im too lazy to walk all that way, anyone know if its online anywhere?
29 shearer4pm // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:11

scotty t

yeh i seen that hahahahahahahahahahahahaa

not there fault the yjus cant find the way to the ground thru all the smog, and those who can dont want to be there cus lets face it

there shit lmao

only 1 in the north east

TOON BARMY
30 wsq // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:13

oba hattrick tomorrow…

oba the moon..

obadrive..

obajoy!

oba massacre!

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2275025,00.html
GOod genuine article “OBA IN TOON WITH THE KING!”
31 wsq // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:17

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2275025,00.html

A good article to read, a genuine article.

It’s called OBA IN TOON WITH THE KING!
32 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:24

I wont sleep now, Im too excited about the match I hope Beano has a massive scowl on his Smacked arse face at half three tomorrow afternoon
33 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:27

ive been teaching the songs to my sister, what she has to sing, i cant wait.

beano keano is going to have a face like a slapped arse when he is obafied haha
34 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:29

u know ive just noticed something about the header from the site, with the players in the 433 formation

faye has blood on his shirt

is this true or is my eyes decieving me
35 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:31

Either that or hes just come back from a wedding
36 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:35

Liam O’Brien 23 yards out Joker Park, Clark runs over the ball and here comes O’Brien, Oh Beautifully done by Liam O’Brien, that was absolute perfection and The Toon Army goes wild !!!

Remember that commentary like it was last week.

Why do you remember stuff like that when youre pissed, It was 16 years ago FFS
37 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:41

I tell you what is a annoying, the irish cosying up on one of the other posts “I cant hate Keane as hes Irish” He aint anything other than Mackem as far as im concerned, I dont care where anyone is from you should hate Sunderland and people associated with Sunderland.

Anyway didnt Keane walk out on his country a week before the world cup leaving Ireland a man light???
38 Tom_Toon // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:42

3-1. Cant wait to see the dog w***ers face!
39 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:48

too rights craigg, they obviously have short memories,

craigg, tom toon, do either of you know what time the calzage match starts? i cant decide whether to watch it, the last time i did was thehatton match and it didnt start till 6.30 am and didnt sleep
40 wsq // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:54

oba hattrick! c’mon oba!
41 reillers // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:55

Craigg mate, he was Irish a lot longer before he was a mackem.

He was sent home from the WC by a manager who was proven to be more then a wee bit shite.
Ireland’s leader, captain, general, adored more the Shearer is here, him being sent him caused a ridiculous amount of hurt, pain. It divided people a division that hadn’t been felt since the civil war. But for most it was Keane in the right and you’re loyal to your general.
Like I said he was Irish a lot more then he was a mackem. You can’t just turn that loyalty off, as much as you try.
I don’t think you’ll ever want to meet a Cork Newcastle fan if there is such a thing, he could burn down an orphanage and still be their saviour. Cork’s a country apparently, the peoples republic, and he is their God.
After everything they backed him and I distinctly remember seeing on the news a big massive poster “Roy you’re still our Wonderboy.” If you want to find loyalty. You’d find it in Cork. It’d be fine if they weren’t more then a wee big egotistical.

I can see where you come from but it isn’t that easy to hate someone you’ve respected for a long long time. Believe me, we’ve tried.
42 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 0:59

does keano want some cream in his coffee, there are a few people on hear creaming over him alright.

burn down an orphanage and he would be hated by everyone, just like he is in newcastle… by all means you can like him but dont mention it on a newcastle united based blog…
43 reillers // Apr 20, 2008 at 1:11

Leo..
I was exaggerating when I said burn down an orphanage..clearly but he is really well liked in Ireland, especially in Cork. I’ve seen people walking around in Cork with 16 Gaffer on their Sunderland jerseys.
You can’t go into a normal sports shop here and find a Newcastle jersey. But you can find Sunderland and Reading jerseys everywhere.
Irish fans when it comes to football teams have a team they love but also have a bandwagon team, Reading and Sunderland are 2 of them for obvious reasons.

Irish fans follow their players, everywhere, and back them to the end now it’s just an unfortunate coincidence that some Irish fans first loved team is Newcastle. A division is made and as much as they hate the team, you can’t and wont choose.
44 Macca // Apr 20, 2008 at 1:11

Are we the only idiots up?
45 Ausgeordie // Apr 20, 2008 at 1:17

51 times you sound like a wanker judging Leo. I bet you liked Oasis before everyone else did too….douche
46 Tom_Toon // Apr 20, 2008 at 1:21

Leo, i hear its at 4. Dunno if i can stay awake that long.

Oh wait, its 3, my mate told me it was 4, the scum!
47 Ross // Apr 20, 2008 at 1:31

leo, i’ve heard it gets going at 4, however

http://www3.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=10690&part=sports

that link is telling you to start streaming at 2:45, dunno if they’re gonna give you an undercard fight along with calzaghe, or if calzaghe is starting at 3, if you’re still up might aswell give it a bash though, i’m gonna give it a go and see what happens.
48 ScottyT // Apr 20, 2008 at 2:10

the hatton fite was sposed to start at 3 a fink insted it started at 20 to 5 and afta i stayed up to watch it a fell asleep gutted lol. probs watch calzaghe fite or som of it nd tape tha rest haha. h8 these fights b4 hand :@.

craigg ya rite m8 jst remember him puttin it in tha net nd james on tha ground also yh all seats give a good view. no posts in way or net for example like other grounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI2urvtrWaY

Liam O’Brien Andy O’Brien Any Any Any O’Brien Who put the ball in the Mackems net O’Brien O’Brien haha gotta lv it
49 Yorkie Dave // Apr 20, 2008 at 3:46

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunderland_A.F.C.

Check out the CAPS LOCK in this hehehe i got bored while watching Calzage
50 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:07

i fell asleep. who won the fight?
51 mitch // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:13

Its here the big day ha’way the lads by the way I am in the old as I will always call it Gallowgate corner have been all my life got to win the day lads and lasses
52 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:33

ive just been watching u tube to get some inspiration for todays antics i cant wait.

anyone seen the video labled la la la la mark viduka

its the geordies singing to a near empty boro stadium so funny
53 Leo // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:34

has anyone thought of some new songs we can sing?

i just cant wait to sing sad mackam bastards

and shit scared of shearer
54 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:38

Caution to any blind fans, If a man with an irish accent approaches you inside St James’ park today asking to stroke your Guide dog Say no, It has nothing to do with running his fingers through its coat.
55 carabay // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:39

im supperters newcastle utd today mach nufc vs sundarlend 5 2 win ton magpies owen martins barton
56 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:51

Happy Birthday to Shay Given you are still my hero
57 Bobby Ollox // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:54

Welcome Carabay - no idea what your saying - but always room for 1 more - just remember supporting Newcastle is more than a day trip - your in it for life my friend…….
58 CRAIGG // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:57

Yep thats right for life, through thin and thinner
59 Bobby Ollox // Apr 20, 2008 at 9:58

My prediction - Sunlun in for a tonking - more than 3 goals difference. No team would want to come to SJP this week after recent run of form - Sunlun must be wetting themselves at the moment.