Opposing Sunderland last weekend was a mistake but they should get back on track with at least a point versus Newcastle on Sunday.
The Black Cats’ terrific recent run under Martin O’Neill came to a shuddering halt with a 4-0 loss at West Brom, quite where that result came from I’ve no idea, but the Northern Irishman knows the importance of this fixture and his team should be good enough for a share of the spoils.
Before the reversal at the hands of the Baggies it was ten wins in 15 matches as Sunderland manager and O’Neill has plenty of experience not to let one result dent his confidence.
It doesn’t get any bigger than this fixture in the north-east and the match at St James’s Park should be one to savour. It finished 1-0 to Newcastle when the pair met at the Stadium of Light in August but Sunderland are a vastly superior outfit now in comparison to the shambles Steve Bruce oversaw and it should be a decent watch.
Aside from the 5-1 thrashing handed out by the Magpies in October 2010, clashes between these two in recent seasons have been very tight indeed and I expect more of the same on Sunday.
Newcastle three away a two-goal lead at home to Wolves last time out and while their home form remains excellent, they have shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks.
A 5-0 thumping at White Hart Lane can happen to any side but result would have worried Newcastle boss Alan Pardew and there is no doubt they can be susceptible at defensively.
A win for Sunderland against their bitter rivals would take them within seven points of their hosts but while that might be too much to ask they are certainly capable of getting a positive result and I expect them to do so.
1pt Lay Newcastle (vs. Sunderland) @ 2.10 (Betfair)