Game On! Sunderland v Newcastle
Mackems v Mags Hold onto your hats, it's about to get bumpy! And I'm not talking about the weather either...
The latest instalment of the Tyne-Wear derby will soon be upon us and with it will come the inevitable conflicting myriad of emotion.
The last feeling I had regarding this fixture was one of hurt, embarrassment even. That 3-0 defeat wasn't nice but at least I now kind of understand how a Mackem feels. I don't want to experience that again but unfortunately I can't do a lot about it. It's up to the players to make amends but a brief sit down with a DVD of that game at St James' Park last season should at least get the players fired up for it.
Anyway, I really don't need to go on. We all know what this means and on the other side of the divide is a fan base who will be thinking and feeling exactly the same as we are.
The match preview went online yesterday so it's there for you to view if you wish to do so. It's accessible using the links at the bottom of the page and features injury news, stats, facts and a history of the fixture. The official team news will be published below as and when it becomes available.
For a number of reasons this game is an early kick-off. Safety is one but also Sky TV have had their say as they always seem to do. The good news with that though is that the match is live on the TV here in the UK so catching a stream should be that little bit easier. Also a whole host of overseas channels are broadcasting the match thus increasing the possibilities further so if you do find a decent stream then please share it by leaving a link in the 'comments' section below.
That's it. I'm off to bite my fingers down to the bone. See you on the other side!
Howay the lads!
Sunderland: Kieren Westwood, Phil Bardsley, Andrea Dossena, John O'Shea, Carlos Cuellar, Lee Cattermole, Jack Colback, Sebastian Larsson, Adam Johnson, Jozy Altidore, Steven Fletcher
Subs: Vito Mannone, Ki Sung-Yueng, Craig Gardner, Ondrej Celustka, Emanuele Giaccherini, Valentin Roberge, Fabio Borini
Newcastle: Tim Krul; Mathieu Debuchy, Mike Williamson, Paul Dummett, Davide Santon; Moussa Sissoko, Cheik Tiote, Yohan Cabaye; Yoan Gouffran, Hatem Ben Arfa, Loic Remy
Subs: Rob Elliot, Massadio Haïdara, Vurnon Anita, Gabriel Obertan, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi, Papiss Cissé
