"Different beast" - Simon Jordan makes Newcastle-Sunderland claim ahead of play-off final

TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has been discussing the “gulf in class” between Newcastle United and Sunderland as the Mackems prepare for Saturday's play-off final.

Last January, we strolled to a comfortable 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light in which the gap between the two teams was visible. Since then, we've only got better, seeing Sandro Tonali’s return and Sven Botman recover from a knee injury.

Regis Le Bris’ Mackems head to Wembley to face Sheffield United in the play-off final this weekend, with the hope of ending their seven season stint outside of the top flight - but they are in for a rude awakening if they believe they can compete in the Prem.

The Newcastle-Sunderland gulf

Newcastle have far surpassed local rivals Sunderland since the two last met in league action in a 1-1 draw back in 2016

The gap between the two would now be significantly wider if Sunderland manage to get past the Blades and return to the Prem, as Simon Jordan highlights.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said: "When they (Sunderland) play Newcastle United, there will be a gulf in class between the two clubs, irrespective of how much money they want to spend in the transfer window this summer.

"And it will have to be confined because they will be restricted by the governance of the PSR that takes them from the Championship losses into the Premier League, so they won’t have that wide a margin to spend.

"Look at the quality of Newcastle. When we get into the reality of the game itself it will be a great spectacle for the North East, but Newcastle are up, up and away.

"They are a different beast than maybe the last time Sunderland ever played them. It will be a great spectacle."

Do we want them back?

It’s been a topic of debate amongst the fanbase this week, do you want Sunderland back in the Premier League or would you rather see them continue to compete in the Football League.

On the one hand, promotion would see us have two derbies in one season for the first time in a decade and the opportunity to win a first at St. James Park since the 5-1 in 2010. 

There’s a strong chance we'd enjoy watching on as Sunderland would likely suffer a similar fate to last season’s play-off winners Southampton, who narrowly beat Derby County’s record low points tally

However, why give them the satisfaction of competing in the Premier League? We'd miss out on two derbies, but seeing them lose on their big day would be amusing this weekend. Either way, perhaps it's a win-win for Newcastle Untied!