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Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka has cranked up the temperature ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Newcastle United, declaring the Wear-Tyne derby the most intense rivalry he has ever stepped into.
Despite years of high-stakes battles in the North London derby, Champions League knockout rounds, and international tournaments, Xhaka says nothing compares to what awaits this weekend.
The midfielder arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in July for an initial £13 million, signed a three-year contract, and was soon after appointed captain by head coach Régis Le Bris. Since then, he has been a driving force in the centre of midfield and opened his Sunderland goal account during November’s 1-1 draw with Everton.
Speaking to the Premier League media team, Xhaka made no attempt to downplay the enormity of the match:
“I’ve had rivalries everywhere in my career, but this one feels like the biggest. We want to give something huge back to the fans and the club. There’s only one aim — win the game.”
The derby returns to the Premier League stage for the first time at the Stadium of Light since 2016, and it will be the first league meeting in nine years. With Sunderland trying to build momentum under Le Bris and Newcastle pushing for a top-half position, the stakes could hardly be higher. Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Le Bris Provides Mixed Injury Update Ahead of Derby
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris has confirmed that midfielder Habib Diarra is expected to miss the derby as he continues recovering from groin surgery earlier in the campaign. Although Diarra has progressed well in recent weeks, Le Bris admitted the fixture will “come too soon” for the 21-year-old.
There was better news elsewhere:
Reinildo is expected to be available after missing the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a groin problem.
Both Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki will feature after Le Bris removed them late at the Etihad to avoid potential suspensions.
He also clarified why Dan Neil was not used in the closing stages against City, noting the decision was made to chase the game with more attacking players, even pushing Lutsharel Geertruida into midfield.
“We tried to stay alive in the match, to provoke something. It didn’t work, but that was the idea,” Le Bris explained.
With tensions rising, injuries clarifying, and confidence building within the Sunderland camp, all focus now shifts to a derby that promises to be one of the most heated in recent memory.
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