Taken from todays Echo. BOSS Alan Pardew says he doesnât care how Newcastle plays in the Tyne-Wear derby â as long as they win. Newcastle last beat Sunderland in August 2011, when Ryan Taylor scored the only goal of the game at the Stadium of Light. United have lost the last two derbies, and the Magpies have not lost three in a row since 1923. Pardew came under fire from irate fans after the last two derbies, and much more than three points rest on the outcome of the game. âThe thing you do know about this fixture is it really is immaterial how you play,â said Pardew, whose side were beaten 2-1 on Wearside in October. âItâs really all about the result. âI think our fans know for us itâs a big game, and we need to show that on the pitch, which perhaps we didnât in the first 15 minutes of that game. âIt was probably the only period that I was disappointed in, and we need to show from the start that we are ready for this big, big fixture.â Gus Poyet has rejuvenated Capital One Cup finalists Sunderland since taking charge, with the Black Cats finally climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone after beating Stoke City in midweek. Poyet twice guided former team Brighton to FA Cup wins over Pardewâs Newcastle in his time at the Amex Stadium, and the Magpiesâ manager is understandably wary, despite the gulf between the two clubs in the league. âTheyâre playing well, and you have to take your hat off to him and say heâs done a great job so far in there,â said Pardew. âTo get to a cup final and still be in the FA Cup, and get out of the relegation zone from where the were, was a great achievement for Gus and his staff. âWe have to accept that they are in a much better place than when we (last) played them, so we have to make sure we are at our very best. Itâs just a little bit bigger than any other game because of the emotion thatâs involved. âThe fans make it special, particularly at our place, and itâs important we rise to the occasion.â ....................0000000000000000........................... I remember our fans were the ones making it special last time around.
The bloke's a prick!! Losing Cabaye, Remy's ban being upheld (along with Johnson's being overturned - I bet they're going mental about that!!) Goofy and Cissy a doubt (although, TBH, I'd rather Cissy played after watching him this season!). They'll be relying on Steven Taylor's swan diving antics in our box
Looking forward to this now, I'd settle for a draw now but really think we can beat them again. COME ON ! Lets batter the ****ers
Mood is low. Our best player has buggered off (can't blame him) and our only goalscorer is banned. I'll be happy if you don't maul us to be honest. Injuries and crap management are really costing us. Would not be surprised if there was a flatter than usual atmosphere tomorrow.
Good morning mate. I'm also hearing Inter Milan are trying to get Ben Arfa in before the window is shut.
