Simon Jordan makes big Sunderland and Newcastle United claims ahead of Wear-Tyne derby
Simon Jordan insists Sunderland have exceeded expectations this season as he outlines why Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby is a major opportunity
Simon Jordan believes Sunderland’s impressive progress this season has created a “massive opportunity” ahead of Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby – but the former Crystal Palace owner does not think the Black Cats have necessarily overshadowed Newcastle United.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 10 December, Jordan was asked by host Jim White whether Sunderland’s rise under Régis Le Bris has shifted the balance of attention in the North East. White said: “The first derby of the season with Sunderland is ahead on Sunday. Have they not been overshadowed by their North-East rivals?”
Jordan responded by praising Sunderland’s trajectory while insisting Newcastle's Champions League campaign keeps the wider picture in perspective. He replied: “Yay and nay, the expectations of Sunderland is being exceeded by their achievements because people are marvelling at the way they’ve come up and done their job so well.
“The fact Newcastle are in the Champions League and are expected to punch really hard, probably doesn’t mean they’re being eclipsed by Sunderland, but what it does mean is there’s a massive opportunity for people to be hugely engaged.”
Jordan added that few expected Sunderland to be in such strong shape heading into the derby, making Sunday’s match a compelling contest for both sides. “At no point when this was put on the roster did anyone expect Sunderland to be in this type of condition. Newcastle have a real game on their hands. It’ll be a helluva game.”
Sunderland host Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday at 2pm.
Régis Le Bris offers injury update
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set to miss next weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby, with the head coach admitting the fixture against Newcastle United will likely come too soon for the 21-year-old.
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Diarra has been stepping up his recovery following groin surgery earlier this season and had been in a race to return in time for the derby. While progress has been positive, Le Bris believes the timing will work against him. The Frenchman did, however, offer encouragement elsewhere, revealing that Reinildo is expected to return after sitting out the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a groin issue. "For Rei, it could be okay but for Habib, it would be too short, I think," Le Bris said.
Sunderland will also have Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki available for the derby after both avoided a booking at the Etihad. Le Bris moved to withdraw the pair late on, protecting them for Sunday’s clash, with Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra introduced instead.
Le Bris later explained his decision not to turn to Dan Neil was to keep attacking momentum, with Lutsharel Geertruida pushed into midfield. "Yes, because we tried to stay in the game, to provoke something," he said. "I think with offensive players on the side, it was more or less the idea. It didn't work, but we tried."