Dick Advocaat suffered defeat in his first game as Sunderland manager as the Black Cats went down 1-0 at West Ham a fortnight ago. They remain fourth bottom as a result, just a point clear of the relegation spots. There are some positives that Sunderland can look to take some hope from, particularly the fact that the new manager has had some extra time to prepare for the next match thanks to the international break. He may not have had a full squad to work with but there enough for him to work on a shape and try and get his own philosophy across. That break also gave Adam Johnson an opportunity to return to something resembling normality following his troubles off the field. He got the winning goal for Sunderland when the clubs last met in December and you would imagine he is in position to start on Sunday.
For a club who are safe from relegation and have no hope of finishing in the top six to qualify for Europe – as well as being eliminated from the FA Cup – this match against their local rivals is even more important for Newcastle. It goes without saying what this means to the supporters but it has extra significance after what has been a slightly underwhelming campaign for John Carver’s men. A win this weekend and it will go some way to restoring some pride in the club which has been lacking. The Magpies will also be determined to break an awful recent record in this fixture having lost the last four and not recorded a win against Sunderland since 2011.
When a manager comes in at such a late stage of the season, it is very difficult for the new man to have the desired impact. Not only is time very much against them but they also do not have the option of bringing in any new players to freshen things up. It is a huge ask to get the same players who have failed to deliver to turn it round but that is the challenge that Advocaat has ahead of him. He will hope that the history surrounding this fixture repeats itself once again as the previous two managers have faced Newcastle in their second game in charge – and both have won.
As well as a dire record against Sunderland in recent times, Newcastle’s current form coming into this game has been woeful. One win in their last seven has got the support restless. Since Carver took over they have struggled for anything like consistency and have at times looked very erratic. The highlights have been few and far between which is why this game is particularly significant for the interim manager who has a great affiliation with the club.
These games might not be one for the purist but it is extremely important for both clubs and cities. There’s no doubt that in terms of points and league positions, it’s vital for Sunderland to get a result. However, for the reasons already mentioned, it is a crucial game for the away side as well. Whether either manager will be in charge of their respective clubs come next season is doubtful and that may give this game even more of an edge as they go all out for a positive result. The atmosphere in these games can be poisonous and that does have an influence on the players. I think things could well boil over tomorrow and would not be surprised if somebody is shown a red card. The fact Mike Dean is in charge makes this bet even more appealing, as the whistler has shown six red’s already this campaign.
Sending off in match 2/1 @ Betvictor
