'You can't get away from it' - Chris Waddle rates Sunderland's derby chances vs Newcastle
Chris Waddle has given his thoughts on Sunday's hotly anticipated clash between Sunderland and Newcastle.
Sunderland have a massive advantage in Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby thanks to Newcastle United’s hectic schedule.
That’s according to former winger of both clubs, Chris Waddle, who thinks the Black Cats must make the most of the Magpies’ Champions League commitments during mid-week.
The two North-East rivals lock horns at the Stadium of Light on Sunday in the first Premier League meeting between the sides since March 2016. And there’s plenty at stake, with Sunderland only one point and three places ahead of Newcastle in the table after an impressive start to the season - but with the latter picking up form, taking 10 points from their last four games.
Newcastle vulnerable against Sunderland after ‘heavy week’?
Newcastle make the short trip south off the back of a gruelling Champions League encounter away at Bayer Leverkusen, where they let a 2-1 lead slip in the 88th minute to draw 2-2 against the 2023/24 German champions.
That was Newcastle’s ninth game since the start of November alone, while Sunderland have played just six times during that period.
So while Waddle believes Eddie Howe has a better side on paper, he thinks Regis Le Bris’ men could have an edge when it comes to energy and sharpness.
"They'll be looking at this knowing Newcastle have quality, but they've had a heavy week,” Waddle said (via the Northern Echo).
"It's not easy playing Champions League against very good sides. Sunderland have had a clear week, will be very fresh and they have to use that to their advantage.
"Newcastle have a great midfield three, always have two good wingers. Going forward, they're very threatening.
"Sunderland will have to have a good game plan and use the energy from their week off.
"Leverkusen was not an easy game for Newcastle. Then there's the travelling and all of a sudden you're walking out of the tunnel at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland won't get a better chance to take advantage."
Granit Xhaka the key for Sunderland?
Waddle played in some huge derbies during his career, including Tottenham vs Arsenal, Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United, and Marseille vs PSG. And that’s not to mention playing in World Cups and European Championships with England.
With that in mind, the 62-capped former international knows exactly what will be required in the Stadium of Light cauldron, and has highlighted the experience of Granit Xhaka as a possible tipping point in the match.
"If you've been around a bit, you get used to it, and you have to try and approach it as a normal game," said Waddle, who played 191 times for Newcastle before eventually making seven appearances for boyhood club Sunderland toward the end of his career.
"You tend to find the game is a bit edgy or nervy so the quality might not be as good as a normal fixture.
"The fans want you to steam into the first tackle, but it’s about keeping yourself together.
"It's alright lunging into somebody - which I would never do, by the way - but in the modern day it's quite easy to get a red card.
"I'm sure both managers will be saying we need passion and desire but we need to have our heads right.
"The local lads in the dressing room are important. They know the situation and what the rivalry means, they've lived it since they were kids.
"But people like Granit Xhaka will be hugely important. They'll be able to calm players down, they've been in massive games, have played in Tottenham vs Arsenal and whatever else. He knows exactly what's required and the players will listen to him.
"Most derbies are not classics, it's about getting over the line and getting the result. That's what it's all about.
"In the build-up, wherever you are, you have people coming up saying they hope you get beat, or don't lose to these or whatever. It's just constant. You can't get away from it, so you just have to enjoy it. And whoever scores the winning goal will go down in the history books."