Chris Sutton is worried about Newcastle United ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.
The Magpies’ gruelling fixture list now takes them to the Stadium of Light, as they get set for the first Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League since March 2016.
Sunderland are back in the top flight and have excelled. They are yet to lose at home all season, while Newcastle United arrive on Wearside with just two away victories all season [USG and Everton].
You can pick one player to score the winner against Sunderland on Sunday, who are you going for?
It would be great for Wissa to get his first Toon goal, but imagine the scenes if Bruno scores!😍
They failed to add to that tally on Wednesday night, as Newcastle United drew with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
It is an extremely quick turnaround for Eddie Howe’s side, and Chris Sutton is worried that fatigue is going to be a serious problem.
Chris Sutton thinks Newcastle United will lose against Sunderland
As part of his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, Chris Sutton has stated that he thinks Sunderland will win the derby against Newcastle United on Sunday.
He believes their intensity will be too much for the Magpies, who have not won a Premier League game against the Black Cats since August 2011.
“Sunderland have had the week off while Newcastle had to work so hard against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, only to let their lead slip away late on,” he said.
“Apart from their brilliant performance against Everton a couple of weeks ago, Newcastle’s away form hasn’t been great, especially straight after they’ve played in the Champions League.
- Tyne-Wear derby: Newcastle United record vs Sunderland ahead of the first Premier League encounters in a decade
“I am expecting that pattern to continue on Sunday, and their fatigue is likely to be a factor in how this game goes because of Sunderland’s intensity. We saw against Arsenal how relentless Regis le Bris’s side are. They bullied the Gunners, and it was amazing to watch.
“Everyone talks about how Granit Xhaka has been phenomenal for the Black Cats, and he has been brilliant, but Noah Sadiki, who plays alongside him in midfield, has also been one of the signings of the season and deserves some attention too.
“I am expecting this to be the best game of the weekend, and I am also expecting Sunderland to win it. Some derby games can be hyped up and then end up being disappointing, but I can’t see this one letting anyone down.
“I love the way Eddie Howe sets Newcastle up too, and he is a brilliant manager, but the Black Cats will take the bragging rights.”
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Anthony Gordon has suggested fatigue is an issue for Newcastle United
Given the fact that Newcastle United have been playing two games a week every week since the middle of September, fatigue is certainly going to be a factor.
In contrast, Sunderland have only been focusing on their Premier League duties since getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the second round.
Newcastle’s relentless schedule now leads them to Wearside, and there is understandably a fear over the squad’s physical condition. That coincides with the number of late goals they are conceding, with Anthony Gordon suggesting that fatigue is the reason following Bayer Leverkusen’s 88th minute equaliser on Wednesday night.
“I don’t know if it’s fatigue with all the games that we’re getting a bit tired late on,” he said.
“I’m not too sure but it all comes back to mentality. We’ve got to be stronger and hold off in those games because top teams do.”
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