Alious
Sunderland have been cautioned against approaching Newcastle United with too much deference when the fierce Wear-Tyne rivalry returns, with former star Chris Waddle insisting that doing so would be the equivalent of “waving the white flag.”
The historic derby is back on the Premier League calendar for the first time in nine years, with the two North East rivals set to clash at the Stadium of Light in a top-flight meeting not seen since 2016. While an FA Cup tie two years ago reignited hostilities—ending in a comfortable 3-0 Newcastle victory—Sunderland head into this encounter far better prepared and full of belief.
Regis Le Bris’ side currently sit ninth in the table, three places and one point above Newcastle, and are confident of extending an impressive league run against their rivals that stretches back to 2011.
Few understand the intensity of this fixture better than Chris Waddle. The former England winger enjoyed a long spell at Newcastle before finishing his top-flight career with Sunderland, and he believes the Black Cats hold a slight edge—particularly given Newcastle’s demanding Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek.
“Sunderland have invested well in the summer and the players they’ve brought in have really improved the team,” Waddle explained. “That Leverkusen match wasn’t easy, and those kinds of games take a lot out of you.”
He also questioned whether Newcastle possess the squad depth required to juggle domestic and European commitments. “They’re very strong, especially at home, but you do see moments where they lose control of games. Over a season, playing this many matches catches up with you if you can’t rotate four or five players regularly—and Newcastle can’t really do that.”
While Waddle still believes Newcastle have the stronger squad on paper, he suggested Sunderland’s full week of preparation and home advantage could tip the balance. “In a one-off game, Newcastle might edge it, but being at the Stadium of Light and having had no travel gives Sunderland a slight advantage.”
The midfield battle is expected to be decisive. Sunderland’s summer additions, Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, have transformed the centre of the park, while Newcastle boast one of the league’s most formidable trios in Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton.
“Xhaka has been outstanding, and Newcastle’s midfield three are top class,” Waddle noted. “But Newcastle’s danger doesn’t stop there—they have pace and quality out wide and plenty of goal threats. You can’t just focus on one or two players.”
He warned that packing the midfield too heavily could leave Sunderland exposed on the flanks, making it difficult to contain Newcastle’s attacking threat. Instead, Waddle believes the hosts should stay true to their identity.
“Sunderland should play their own game. They’ve done it against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, and that’s how they need to approach this one. If you show too much respect, you’re basically surrendering before kick-off.”
Despite Sunderland’s impressive start to the season, Waddle also highlighted the pressure that comes with raised expectations at home.
“The fans have seen how well they’ve played, so they’ll be expecting a result,” he said. “With Newcastle coming off a tough European trip, Sunderland will feel this is a real opportunity.”
He added that Newcastle often start strongly but can fade later in games—something Sunderland may look to exploit. “If they’re still in it after 60 or 70 minutes, they’ll fancy their chances. There will be real belief that they can win this one.”
With confidence high and bragging rights at stake, the stage is set for a fiercely contested Wear-Tyne derby where Sunderland have been urged to play without fear.
Alious
