Sunderland v Newcastle, Saturday, Sky Sports 1, 12:45pm
October 24, 2008 by Ben Filed under: Football
One of the most passionate and keenly fought derby’s in the world of football takes place again on Saturday lunch time when Newcastle visit the Stadium of Light to face arch rivals Sunderland. Newcastle will be looking to continue their mini-revival under Joe Kinnear, as they have halted their recent slide with two consecutive draws. The 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Monday was nearly the win they have been searching for since August, with only a Stephen Ireland goal four minutes from time denying them victory.
Sunderland have also had two draws in their last two games, although their start to the season has been more assured than their Northern neighbours. They can also feel aggrieved that they did not win their last game, as Keiran Richardson’s free kick was ruled out. The decision seemed harsh, as the jostling in the wall seemed no different to that seen at any other set piece. Newcastle will be confident of taking something from this game, as they are unbeaten in Tyne-Wear derbies in many years, and won the final derby of last season at St. James Park Park 2-0. However, Sunderland will be looking to continue their good start to the season, and will want to take advantage of the upheaval at St. James to record their first home victory over their rivals since their switch to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland are 6/5 with VCBet to claim early season bragging rights in the North East, while Newcastle United are 11/5 with Pagebet to continue their impressive record in this fixture.
If Kieran Richardson scores at anytime during Sunderland v Newcastle, BGbet will refund all losing first goalscorer stakes on the match.
