Post by Ghostrider on Mar 17, 2016 10:07:49 GMT
The big day is close and probably one of the most important for many years, given the fact that both teams are perilously close to dropping through that relegation trap door.
Yes, we know Sunderland have beaten us 6 times on the trot - so what. They can have their HISTORY and they can dine on it for as long as they please.
However, this game on Sunday is what counts for the NOW, or the future that will soon be known as the NOW and also soon be known as recent history; one which I hope that we have the bragging rights for.
Nobody knows what the outcome of the game will be - and we can all cite all kinds of things that apparently might give any of us a head start. Sunderland can cite a 6 game winning streak and a bigger fighting spirit, given how they've battled like hell lately under Allardyce - and we have basically went from one low to another - but guess what?
Even though that appears to be the case - Sunderland are still only 1 point above us and we have a game in hand. Plus it's us who have just gained a new manager and set up.
It guarantees us nothing in the main, but it does give us a massive lift in many instances, as well as a home advantage, regardless of it being a derby match.
This game is massive in the relegation stakes. It's not a win or else game, yet, but it is a game that can instill a massive, positive push on attitude for us, that can literally move us on quite quickly - not just team/squad/manager wise but in a massive feel good factor, fan wise, which can carry a positive charge.
Regardless of this being an intense derby match, it also carries a few other rivalries in the fact that Allardyce managed us for a while and also that he doesn't see eye to eye with Benitez.
It just makes the game even more tasty and feisty.
It'll be interesting to see what team Rafa puts out, seeing as we're at home and also up against our rivals. One thing for certain - he needs to put out the players that will die for 90 plus minutes and leave out those that potentially will bottle it.
This is a game for Shelvey and Colback to shine and for the misfiring players to add an end product to their work, as in Mitrovich and Sissoko, plus Wijnaldum.
I just hope he puts out a team that merits the occasion.
I believe he will, because this game above all else, requires it.
Yes, we know Sunderland have beaten us 6 times on the trot - so what. They can have their HISTORY and they can dine on it for as long as they please.
However, this game on Sunday is what counts for the NOW, or the future that will soon be known as the NOW and also soon be known as recent history; one which I hope that we have the bragging rights for.
Nobody knows what the outcome of the game will be - and we can all cite all kinds of things that apparently might give any of us a head start. Sunderland can cite a 6 game winning streak and a bigger fighting spirit, given how they've battled like hell lately under Allardyce - and we have basically went from one low to another - but guess what?
Even though that appears to be the case - Sunderland are still only 1 point above us and we have a game in hand. Plus it's us who have just gained a new manager and set up.
It guarantees us nothing in the main, but it does give us a massive lift in many instances, as well as a home advantage, regardless of it being a derby match.
This game is massive in the relegation stakes. It's not a win or else game, yet, but it is a game that can instill a massive, positive push on attitude for us, that can literally move us on quite quickly - not just team/squad/manager wise but in a massive feel good factor, fan wise, which can carry a positive charge.
Regardless of this being an intense derby match, it also carries a few other rivalries in the fact that Allardyce managed us for a while and also that he doesn't see eye to eye with Benitez.
It just makes the game even more tasty and feisty.
It'll be interesting to see what team Rafa puts out, seeing as we're at home and also up against our rivals. One thing for certain - he needs to put out the players that will die for 90 plus minutes and leave out those that potentially will bottle it.
This is a game for Shelvey and Colback to shine and for the misfiring players to add an end product to their work, as in Mitrovich and Sissoko, plus Wijnaldum.
I just hope he puts out a team that merits the occasion.
I believe he will, because this game above all else, requires it.