Newcastle target derby lift against Sunderland
Recalls the fiery 2012 derby at St James’ Park: eight yellows, reds for Sessegnon and Cattermole, 21-man melee and FA fines of £40k for Newcastle and £20k for Sunderland.
Sunderland fans split between bravado and concern before St James’ Park trip, citing injuries, low away goals and pressure on Newcastle, with many predicting a low block and hoping for 0-0 or set-piece joy.
UEFA clarify seventh could reach the Champions League if Liverpool win UCL and Villa win UEL while finishing 5th and 6th. Newcastle, 10th, could benefit if they climb to 7th.
Derby at St James’ Park. Newcastle chase a perfect March after wins over Man Utd and Chelsea, but are without Bruno Guimarães, Schär and Miley. Livramento, Botman set to start, Tonali a doubt. Sunderland won 1-0 in Dec.
Ex-Everton CEO Keith Wyness urges Newcastle to move for Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke, calling him an upgrade on Woltemade. He says Howe could get the best from him.
Peter Crouch says he dreamed of being Newcastle’s No 9 but, after agreeing terms with Sunderland in 2009, chose Tottenham following Harry Redknapp’s call.
Reports in Italy link Arsenal, Man City and Man Utd with Sandro Tonali in a potential €115m move. Newcastle also eye Chelsea striker Liam Delap amid forward issues.
After a 7-2 loss at Barcelona, Howe targets a ‘turning point’ vs Sunderland to end a 10-game league derby drought. Tonali is touch and go, Gordon now first-choice up front, while Woltemade and Wissa face scrutiny.
Pre-match trouble outside St James’ Park as small groups of Newcastle and Sunderland fans clash before the derby, with police intervening and CPR reportedly given to one person.
Newcastle lose 2-1 at St James’ Park. Gordon put United ahead, Talbi levelled, then Brobbey hit a 90th-minute winner from Le Fee’s cut-back. Thiaw had a header ruled out, Botman went off injured.
Report claims Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa are frustrated with an Eddie Howe call at Newcastle.
Derby paused for 3 minutes after reports of discriminatory abuse towards Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida. Referee Anthony Taylor used the protocol. Newcastle led 1-0, but lost 2-1 to a late Brobbey goal.
