Pardrew getting his excuses in early

ALAN Pardew says Sunderland are “favourites” in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby – because of the demands of tonight’s Europa League clash against Benfica, writes MILES STARFORTH.


Pardew’s side take on the Portuguese side in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

The demanding fixture – Newcastle trail Benfica 3-1 from the first leg – is followed by Sunderland’s visit to St James’s Park.

While Paolo Di Canio has had a clear week to prepare his side for the 148th derby, Pardew and his players have been focused on the European tie.

Pardew feels his Sunderland counterpart – whose side are tipped to be relegated from the Premier League by the bookmakers – will have an advantage as a result.

“I think it’s a disadvantage for us,” Pardew said.

“To play Thursday night, and their management here to watch us go through a really tough game, is what I would want as an opposing manager.

“I think Sunderland will be slight favourites for that game. Having said that, it’s about Benfica. We’ll see where we are after the game.”

Whatever his misgivings about the timing of the derby, Pardew is confident his January signings will be up to speed and ready for the challenge of playing a derby game.

All of the Magpies’ five transfer-window acquisitions have made an impact since arriving.

And the more Premier League games they play, the better they will get, according to Pardew, whose side beat Fulham 1-0 at St James’s Park on Sunday.

“It’s like anything else – you’re going to have ups and downs. But the more experience you get in this division, the more you get used to it.

“Who would have thought that Fulham would play with the commitment they did on 39 points?

“No other league would have a team that would come with that commitment. It’s a learning experience for them.”

 

He's just stating facts really. We've got to play a big European game a few days before playing you.

Therefore if you win on Sunday it doesn't count

 

I still have the craas as favourites. They are at home and in better form right now with pressure off after beating fulham last weekend. That after an away game in Europe.

We will miss Gardner imo too.

I just hope Amadonkey pulls a hammy the neet. Lol

 

I hate to say it bust best I can see is a draw but I fear another humiliation.

 

They lost to Benifica because they were saving themselves for Fulham, now they are will give 100% on Thursday so they have an excuse on Sunday....

 

The mags are strong favourites. If he labels us as such it's a no lose situation for him.

Fair play to him.

 

I'd take a draw now tbh.

 

I hope you're right dan!!

Having said that, I wouldn't be unhappy if they played us off the park, Mignolet made 15 world class saves, they hit the post a dozen times, and we won with a lucky deflected goal!! We're surely due a little luck as we've only had 2 pieces that I've seen this season (Chelsea away and the Mags at home!)

 

Good luck to them tonight. I hope they get an early goal. Just the one though

 

I hope its 3 - 1 followed by extra time then pens (won by Benfica of course)

 

We score first i think we will wil, if we don,t we won't. Bit like chelsea but without the bad luck.

 

Who's going to score for us????

 

Well played Pards.

Not many are fooled though, we should be beating this Sunderland side if you look at the two teams on paper.

 

You have a paper pitch? How quaint.

 

Danny Graham, 90th minute winner, written in the stars, well, we can dream

 

Not quite, but many have been torn to shreds there..................I'll get my coat

 

While i agree, this is the derby and we're playing on grass, not paper. It all boils down to who wants it the most, always has.

 

I wish had that excuse!

 

Same as Chopra