We have to win on Sunday. First of all for our sanity, anyone who has a Mackem mate will have to hide until Easter. If we do lose i think Pardew should fall on his sword. Both sides at the moment are very average, and i think it will be down to who wants it the most. Sadly it has not been us for a while, this has to be installed into the players. It is NOT just another 3 points. Lastly i hope every sensible supporter acts accordingly. I do not like Sunderland, but that doesn't mean i want to go rolling about the streets fighting. We are both passionate about our clubs lets shout our heads off, get behind our teams and show the rest of the UK we can behave.
Every derby is vital, but this one seems to be magnified beyond anything I can remember. After the previous derby defeats, we desperately need to get something this time. But going into it with the players we have available and on the back of two absolute humpings inside a week fills me with dread. I can only hope those on the pitch can lift themselves for it and get a result. As you say, hopefully the tension remains focused on the game itself and doesn't spill over into any trouble. But I doubt it would be the real footy fans who would cause issues, more likely some nutter who don't even have tickets.
No it's not. It's 3 points To the smellies, it's their entire year as we are the 'big boys' to them. We are far better than that.
Not overly optimistic right now. Depends how we line up. Use the same players/format as the last 2 games, then Sunderland will have fun and games. Put Abeid or Tiote in the team with Sissoko and Colback then we will do well. Sadly Pardew won't do this.
