Before a ball was kicked this season, Newcastle United would have been widely expected to take six points off rivals Sunderland.
Things, however, have not played out that way.
Indeed, ahead of the Wear-Tyne derby, Sunderland actually sit three places above Newcastle United in the Premier League table.
While the two are only separated by one point, the Black Cats head into a first Premier League derby in nine years full of confidence.
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It’s something of a free hit for the home side, while Eddie Howe’s side have struggled away from home for months now.
They did beat Everton on the road last month but that is their only league away win since April.
Sunderland vs Newcastle United is a huge occasion and, should Howe’s side lose, major questions will be asked amid their rather inconsistent campaign.
Ahead of the short trip to the Stadium of Light, pundit Simon Jordan has shared his verdict.
Simon Jordan previews Sunderland vs Newcastle United
The former Crystal Palace owner denied the suggestion that Sunderland – amid their brilliant start to the season – are favourites for the clash.
While Jordan did go on to admit that Sunderland are in a strong position, he wouldn’t go as far as to suggest they are certainly favourites.
“No, not really,” he said when asked about Sunderland being favourites on talkSPORT.
“But I would pitch Premier League quality against the achievements of Sunderland, the fact that Sunderland have got more legs in them this week because Newcastle played in midweek.
“I think they’re on an equal footing, which I think is a good thing because I don’t think anyone could pick this game, really.
“On the balance of probabilities, you wouldn’t be surprised if Sunderland won. You wouldn’t be surprised if – because it’s a derby – it takes care of itself and Newcastle were to win away from home and ultimately start creating this scenario where they’re winning away from home again.
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“What it is, though, is a brilliant derby where Sunderland are not the runt of the litter. They’re not the poor relations, they’re not this declining force that Paolo Di Canio was holding together on his knees, literally.
“This is a resurgent Sunderland with a brilliant manager, a young owner that’s really proved himself.
“They must be buzzing up in the North East. The area must be buzzing.”
The reality is that Newcastle have been one of the Premier League’s leading sides for years now. As well as Sunderland have done this season, they just cannot compare for obvious reasons.
Newcastle United’s all-time record against Sunderland explained
The head-to-head record over the years is extremely tight between the two sides.
Since the first derby back in December 1898, there have been a further 155 meetings.
Newcastle have won 54 of those, while Sunderland have claimed the victory on 53 occasions. There have been 49 draws.
Newcastle’s last result against Sunderland was a 3-0 win over them in the FA Cup back in January 2024. Clearly, things will be a lot more difficult than they were that day.
However, and while it’s natural to be nervous, there are plenty of reasons for optimism.
If Newcastle win on Sunday, it could really turn their Premier League campaign around.
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