Where Sunderland vs Newcastle could be won or lost – Part 2

The curtain will come up on the first Premier League Wear-Tyne Derby in nine years, with the battle set to take place at 2pm this afternoon.

Earlier we posted part one of the piece, looking at how today’s game could be won or lost, and here is part two.

Route to Victory #3: Options from the bench

Despite the injuries at the back (Trippier, Botman, Pope, Krafth) it’s difficult to argue against the fact that the squad available to Eddie Howe is the strongest he’s had the club. There are options and none more so than Yoane Wissa, whose return from injury could not have been better timed despite his recent illness.

The DR Congo forward gives United another string to its bow and despite his obvious lack of match fitness, he is Premier League proven and his 19 league goals last season included strikes against Brentford’s London rivals Palace, Arsenal, and Fulham, as well as goals against us (twice) and Man City (twice).

If he was to never score another goal for United (and I obviously hope that that is far, far, far away from the truth) if he was to net on Sunday it would go some way to repaying (a little) of the £55m fee paid for him in the summer.

Reason to be Wary #3: Tonali’s dip in form

Conversely, our midfield maestro from Milano (who if selected/fit, will be playing in his first derby as he was banned for the last one) has “picked” an inopportune time to have a dip in form.

This will seem harsh as the lad has been basically imperious since his return from the 10-month gambling ban, but as well as the derby being a moment for lesser lights to shine, you need your best players to perform too.

Greats like Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, Peter Beardsley, and Jackie Milburn have all purred in this fixture leading to Newcastle still edging the victory count 54 – 53, and this match is the ideal one for Tonali (who is no stranger to intense derbies with his Milanese background) to rediscover his form and grab a first goal of the season.

Route to Victory #4: Attacking output when it clicks

Across the last three seasons United have scored 68, 85, 68 goals, which includes that 85 goals outscoring the Entertainers (and we only finished 7^th!). Yes, it was with different player but there’s a huge body of evidence that when Eddie Howe’s side gets it right the goals will arrive.

There was even a microcosm of that on Wednesday in the second half when United scored two goals, hit the post twice, had 19 entries into final 3rd, and had three big chances. Other attacking positives this season are Big Nick’s catalogue of goals, Gordon’s goal scoring form in the Champions League, Bruno’s five already from midfield, and Harvey Barnes’ seven strikes too.

Despite this season’s apparent lack of attacking output, we are still joint 6^th top goalscorers in the league, and this is a match that can make a player’s career, and I would bet there are characters in the dressing room who will be looking to make goalscoring waves on Sunday.

Reason to be Wary #4: Bad habits biting us again 

This will be a short one as I don’t want to dig over old ground as we’re all well aware of United’s inability to see games out this season/concede late goals, but if we continue to defend like a bunch of schoolboys (and that’s an insult to schoolboys) after the 80^th minute and let in late goals, it will be very hard to get any kind of result from this game.

Sunderland have gained 12 points from losing positions (joint most in the league) and if we haven’t put the game to bed, their tenacity and never say die attitude from losing positions, could see them overhaul any slight lead United have. It’s as simple as that.

The other route to victory

The other final route to victory for United is for Eddie Howe to remind the players of their responsibility to the fans, the city and everyone else who follows the club from afar. I’m sure he will and this is a game that can etch you into United folklore.

Andy O’Brien, Albert Luque, Nikos Dabizas, and Ryan Taylor are amongst those players who have written their names into the history of the club who aren’t remembered for much else, but they are remembered years and years later, with many of their songs still sung to this day.

Our most recent trip to Wearside was a pleasant experience and a walk in the park, however I don’t expect the same to happen this time around, but I do expect United to put in a performance, and I’m sure the players will be ready.

HWTL. Keep the faith.