Roker Report - Sunderland Vs Newcastle United: As It HappenedSunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2013-10-28T10:30:07+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/47947052013-10-28T10:30:07+00:002013-10-28T10:30:07+00:00Quick Kicks: Reaction To Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q0H4Pf0w_VMv02Hr5tRXFMedjBI=/0x124:4000x2791/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21878335/186012764.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Richard Sellers</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sunderland FINALLY registered a win this season and what a win it was too. Here is a little reaction.</p> <h4>What The Gaffer Said</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>I’m happy for the players and happy for the fans because this week I’ve been in Sunderland going for dinner, finding a place to live and I’ve seen how much this game means [to the fans].<br><br>I spoke to some people who were saying to me win this one, next week doesn’t matter.<br><br>The way that we did it, the work that the players have put in, we gave everything and that’s what we asked from them.<br><br>When you have a player on the bench with a willingness to go in and do something special you’ve always got a chance.<br><br>We’ve been working on different things, I’ve been asking a few players to take responsibility and I was so pleased for every one of them.<br><br>They did the right things at the right time, it’s up to them to find the time, the space and make the right decisions in the game and they did it quite early which was incredible for us.<br><br>It was a great start, the stadium was coming down and everything was going perfect until that goal which of course made everybody feel a little bit weak.<br><br>We reacted, we changed things and the players that went on gave us something different because they are different.<br><br>We know what Lee Cattermole is and why he is so important for us and then you have a different player in Ki and it’s the same with Johnno [Adam Johnson] and Fabio Borini.<br><br>It worked today and I said before this should be the turning point in our season so let’s enjoy this time, prepare this week and try to win another game next weekend.<br><br>That was the test, the key moment, it was where we were looking at as soon as we scored plenty of people were very nervous – I was checking, I was seeing reactions, I was seeing if what we were working on and the way that we want to change things and if the players have got it.<br><br>We went into another gear, we asked the players for extra effort and they are there.<br><br>There was effort, tension, nerves and a lit bit of enjoyment as well. We couldn’t run in the last few minutes and today we were absolutely delighted so I’m very happy for the players.<br><br>I’ve seen him in training and saw he controlled the ball well and the first touch is key because the second I know the quality of Fabio.<br><br>I’m very happy for him because he was very close to playing today and sometimes the players get what they deserve and I thought it was important for him and of course for all of us for the future.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's nice that Poyet's reaction was all about the team and the players. Under Paolo Di Canio, you kind of get the feeling that he would have made it all about him.</p>
<h4>Before We Go Any Further...</h4>
<p>Let's just get this out of the way...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3463989/Daniel_Bryan_YES_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Daniel_bryan_yes_medium"></p>
<p>I feel better for that..</p>
<h4>Finally Some Mental Strength</h4>
<p>I probably wasn't alone in fearing the worst from the moment Newcastle equalised. All season long we have caved in under pressure and just totally collapsed in what felt like a blink of the eye. This was the easiest time to do that, but the players actually reacted instead.</p>
<p>Heads didn't drop, underpants didn't become soiled. They simply took it on the chin, refocused, and reasserted themselves. It was probably needed really because prior to that we had dropped far too deep and surrendered far too much of the initiative.</p>
<p>Tactically and philosophically, there is not much Poyet has had the opportunity to do yet, but that was one crucial change that, hopefully, he has been able to effect.</p>
<h4>Colback Proves A Point</h4>
<p>Jack Colback has had an odd kind of a career to date. He has been shifted around positionally so much that his head is probably spinning, with each manager seemingly seeing him as something different. Had Di Canio still been here, you'd sense that his midfield career at the club was over.</p>
<p>I am not too sure many would have been too upset about that actually. He has impressed occasionally there, yet never nailed down a starting berth. Whilst he is usually neat and tidy, questions have been raised over his creativity and presence.</p>
<p>In this one though he was the best player on the pitch. He dominated the much-heralded Yohan Cabaye for a start, and met the more physical challenge of Tiote too.</p>
<p>His future is still in question, but I'd certainly like to see a lot more from him in midfield if this is the standard he intends to set for himself.</p>
<h4>This Must Not Be Wasted</h4>
<p>I think we all intend to enjoy the moment and revel in a big win for a few days, but hopefully the players have loftier goals at the forefront of their minds.</p>
<p>This derby victory is unlikely to equal last season's 3-0 in folklore when the dust is settled, but it should be remembered that it was the 'one-two punch' of the win and St James and the follow-up three points against Everton that made the difference last term. The derby win alone wasn't enough.</p>
<p>If Sunderland can replicate that again, this time with a good showing and result at Hull next week, the season will take on a very different complexion. Please please PLEASE don't sully this by wasting it.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/28/5035690/quick-kicks-thoughts-and-reaction-from-sunderland-2-1-newcastle-unitedmichaelgraham2013-10-27T17:12:42+00:002013-10-27T17:12:42+00:00Sunderland Vs Newcastle United: Player Ratings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yf9JchNRxLP39sKcPjJNl9aDg7g=/0x330:2935x2287/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21864109/186019886.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Richard Sellers</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Every week we review the players' performances. Check out what we took from the Wear-Tyne derby below...</p> <h4>Keiren Westwood - 7</h4>
<p>Never really called into making a big save and no chance with the goal. Deserves plenty of credit for the command of his box though which did plenty to help relieve mounting pressure.</p>
<h4>Right Back - 4</h4>
<p>Meh. Points deducted for being a parasite, but put in a very commendable shift. Certainly did nowt wrong.</p>
<h4>Andrea Dossena - 7</h4>
<p>Gave an excellent account of himself considering how little football he has played. Looked like an actual proper left back, and knows how to wear a beard.</p>
<h4>John O'Shea - 7</h4>
<p>Looked more comfortable next to his mate Carlos and defended well with assurance.</p>
<h4>Carlos Cuellar - 7</h4>
<p>Perhaps the biggest surprise name on the team sheet, but most certainly played his part.</p>
<h4>Seb Larsson - 7</h4>
<p>Played more towards the right than in recent times, though still not really in full winger mode. Loads of running and his eyes simply shine with incandescent radiance when he is stuffing the mags, the kind of which burns deep down into one's very soul.</p>
<h4>Lee Cattermole - 8</h4>
<p>Everything that is brilliant about him - the energy, the leadership, the relentless refusal to be denied his say - without any of the bad. Superb.</p>
<h4>Jack Colback - 9</h4>
<p>Simply the best player on the pitch.</p>
<h4>Adam Johnson - 7</h4>
<p>This was Johnson in a microcosm. Rarely looked especially involved, yet created.</p>
<h4>Steven Fletcher - 8</h4>
<p>A goal, and his quick thinking brought about the winner. Never leave us again.</p>
<h4>Jozy Altidore - 8</h4>
<p>Others grabbed the headlines but Altidore's relentless tenderising of the Newcastle centre halves played a massive part in this win.</p>
<h4>Fabio Borini - 8</h4>
<p>Wrote himself into mackem folklore by invoking the spirit of Kieran to rocket home a derby winner. What a strike too. Was lively from the moment he came on.</p>
<h4>Ki Sung-Yueng - 7</h4>
<p>Picked up where the tiring Cattermole left off. Involved in winner.</p>
<h4>Ondrej Celustka - 7</h4>
<p>Did little wrong after being thrust into a difficult situation.</p>
<h4>Man Of The Match: Jack Colback<br>
</h4>
<p>Up against the much-heralded Yohan Cabaye, Colback simply bossed the midfield. He was the outstanding player on show, and with his newly found physical strength - one remnant of the Di Canio era for which we can be thankful - he proved unequivocally that he has loads to offer in his favoured position.</p>
<p><i>We'll have even more match reaction over the coming days <a href="http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/26/5030664/sunderland-vs-newcastle-united-live" target="_blank">HERE</a> in our Match Stream.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/27/5030684/sunderland-vs-newcastle-united-player-ratingsmichaelgraham2013-10-27T15:42:24+00:002013-10-27T15:42:24+00:00Match Report: Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle United
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QWmT360r5msR-Wc5cTcVQe_GMLA=/203x0:3756x2369/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21859255/186012433.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stu Forster</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Gus Poyet got his first win as Sunderland manager thanks to an emphatic strike from Fabio Borini as his side defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in the Wear-Tyne derby.</p> <p>As is usually the case, Sunderland started very brightly. Clearly looking the more energetic side, epitomised with Seb Larsson busting a gut to whip in a dangerous cross after just four minutes. That yielded a corner, from which Sunderland took full advantage, and the lead.</p>
<p>Adam Johnson played the ball short to Larsson who in turn gave him it back. From the edge of the area the Easington-born winger stood the ball up to the back post, crying out to be attacked. It was, and Steven Fletcher rose above Paul Dummett to score from close range and send the home fans into dreamworld.</p>
<p>Fletcher was at the heart of some heated exchanges with Yohan Cabaye in midfield. With the Frenchman sitting in front of the Newcastle defence and Fletcher sitting off Jozy Altidore.</p>
<p>Cabaye drew the visitors only chance of note in the first fifteen minutes, ballooning one over from distance, with Hatem Ben Arfa's strike from similar distance two minutes later even worse. Sunderland were dominant during the first phase of action, and good value for the lead.</p>
<p>The visitors shifted information to make Loic Remy the man through the centre and it allowed them to get a little bit more into the game as things began to level off.</p>
<p>Cabaye twice put pressure on the Sunderland goal. The first a low freekick had Keiren Westwood scrambling and recovering at the second attempt while when he directed a shot at the other bottom corner the adopted Irishman barely broke sweat.</p>
<p>The best chance they could create in the opening half hour came when following some decent possession a ball chipped to the back post saw an unmarked Moussa Sissoko ghost in completely unmarked, but thankfully, perhaps taken aback by the situation he found himself in, did nothing with what was a great chance.</p>
<p>Speak of great chances Sunderland weren't just allowing Newcastle to knock it about and take pot-shots. They fashioned their own chances, and could well have made it 2-0.</p>
<p>Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore linked up superbly to create a shooting opportunity for Fletcher from the edge of the area, parried by Tim Krul and with Paul Dummett at sixes and sevens, Altidore nearly stole in to slot one home but the defender just managed to force him wide enough to put it out for a goal kick.</p>
<p>Handbags-Watch, which earlier starred Fletcher and Cabaye shifted focus to Cheik Tiote and Seb Larsson where when Larsson had fouled Tiote, the Ivorian threw the first bag in the Swede's direction. Neither were booked.</p>
<p>Some sloppiness for five or so minutes by Sunderland allowed Newcastle to win some corners and generally keep the pressure on but still they couldn't find a way past what on paper was a very, very poor back four. Not that they were playing like it in the first half, to a man they were superb.</p>
<p>The opening ten minutes of the second half were drastically different to the first half. Neither team appeared to want to get overly stuck into things, which in a way played right into Sunderland's hands what with already holding the lead.</p>
<p>One player who did manage to put himself about in this period though was Jozy Altidore, who did very well to win possession back for Sunderland 30-yards from the Newcastle goal before eventually being fouled by Dummett. Referee Lee Probert played on and allowed Fletcher to have a shot blocked.</p>
<p>You could argue in at least five of Sunderland's eight games to this point they were the better side in the first half before hitting self-destruct in the second half and capitulating. This looked as though it might be the case when the visitors equalised.</p>
<p>Approaching the hour Mathieu Debuchy found himself with absurdly in acres of space inside the area to slot the ball in from about 5-yards. A slow, possibly mis-hit cross-come-shot from Ben Arfa trickled across goal, with nobody at all doing anything about it or taking responsibility for clearing. Not one to look the gift-horse in the mouth, nor punch it, Debuchy tapped in to level things up.</p>
<p>In response Seb Larsson curled a strike well over the bar from 25-yards out, while substitute Fabio Borini nearly got lucky when his shot straight at Tim Krul, almost slipped through the Dutchman's legs and into the back of the net.</p>
<p>Newcastle were certainly on top though as the final fifteen minutes approached, and looked much more threatening, particularly as Cabaye was starting to actually test Westwood with one of his many, many shots from well outside the area.</p>
<p>The continued to press on. Sunderland continued by hook and crook to keep them at bay. Davide Santon shot low and wide from around 20-yards out. Shola Ameobi did exactly the same a few minutes later. Things didn't really seem to be going Sunderland's way you felt. But football has a funny way of surprising you from time to time.</p>
<p>Sunderland were presented with a glorious chance when Altidore won himself a freekick on the edge of the area. With Larsson, Fletcher and Altidore all over it, chances were certainly fancied of it flying into the net. It wasn't to be however as Fletcher sent it straight into the wall, and what you felt might be our best chance as time dwindled away, was gone.</p>
<p>Not so.</p>
<p>A quick freekick in our own half caught the visitors off-guard. The ball moved forward quickly by Ki to Colback and in turn to Altidore who sat the ball up for Fabio Borini to latch on to and hit a screamer from the edge of the area beyond a helpless Tim Krul and into the top corner. An incredible moment for the young Italian.</p>
<p>Sunderland saw out time well, holding on resolutely and playing out the dying minutes in the Newcastle half. On a thump forward John O'Shea nearly lobbed Westwood for a spectacular own goal, however that was as much as Newcastle could muster with the wind knocked well and truly out of them.</p>
<p>The full-time whistle sounded. Sunderland goes wild. And without doubt it was completely deserved. Each and every single player, Phil Bardsley included, rammed the words of writers like myself back down our throats.</p>
<p>I think I speak for everyone here when I say I've never been happier for that to happen.</p>
<p>We should enjoy the day and night, however not let any of this superb work to be undone at Hull City Tigers next week.</p>
<p><i>For more match reaction, stick around in our Match Stream - <a href="http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/26/5030664/sunderland-vs-newcastle-united-live" target="_blank">HERE</a></i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/27/5030678/match-report-sunderland-newcastle-united-wear-tyne-derby-final-score-2013SimonWalsh2013-10-27T12:46:17+00:002013-10-27T12:46:17+00:00Sunderland Vs Newcastle United: Confirmed Lineups
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mZMA1D_7GdMQLxAS30sPkdmQCQg=/8x0:3990x2655/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21790145/185704481.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nigel Roddis</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The teams are in for the Wear-Tyne derby, and here's how things shape up...</p> <p>Gus Poyet takes charge of his first derby and goes with one of the oddest team selections I've seen in the history of the club. Ki, Giaccherini and Celustka all find themselves on the bench, while Carlos Cuellar comes in for Valentin Roberge. Elsewhere, there's a debut for Andrea Dossena, who comes in at left back, with Phil Bardsley moving to the right full back position, while Jack Colback comes in for Craig Gardner. The final change sees Jozy Altidore return to the team, meaning it's two up front with him and Fletcher leading the line.</p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-4-2): </b>Keiren Westwood; Phil Bardsley, John O'Shea, Carlos Cuellar, Andrea Dossena; Adam Johnson, Lee Cattermole, Jack Colback, Seb Larsson; Jozy Altidore, Steven Fletcher</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Vito Mannone, Ondrej Celustka, Valentin Roberge, Craig Gardner, Ki Sung-Yeung, Emanuele Giaccherini, Fabio Borini</p>
<p>Meanwhile Alan Pardew, a man who, if he wasn't a football manager, would spend his time perving on teenage girls in shit nightclubs, has made just one change to the side that drew 2-2 with Liverpool, with suspended Yanga-Mbiwa being replaced by last week's goal hero Paul Dummett. Steven Taylor is out of the team altogether, dropped for having shit craic.</p>
<p><b>Newcastle United (4-3-3): </b>Tim Krul, Mathieu Debuchy, Paul Dummett, Mike Williamson, Davide Santon; Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko; Yohan Goufrann, Hatem Ben Arfa, Loic Remy</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Rob Elliot, Massada Haidara, Vernun Anita, Gabriel Obertan, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi, Papiss Cisse</p>
<p><i>Follow all the action with us on Twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/RokerReport/">@RokerReport</a>, plus you can get match reaction in our Stream <a target="_blank" href="http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/26/5030664/sunderland-vs-newcastle-united-live">HERE</a>.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/27/5030670/sunderland-vs-newcastle-united-confirmed-lineupsLuke Bowley2013-10-25T15:00:03+01:002013-10-25T15:00:03+01:00Preview: Mags Next In Line For Comfortable Win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cYuAdd9yI9Sas2_0UsNsBciwNSQ=/0x85:2360x1658/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21593991/166585626.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It's the Wear-Tyne Derby this weekend. Captain, set excitement levels to 'Meh' right away!</p> <h4>Sunderland Team News</h4>
<p>Who knows what's going to happen. Phil Bardsley came back last week, perhaps Gus has rung up Lee Clark to see if he can add some midfield steel for one game.</p>
<p>In all seriousness though this weeks team of gutless losers is likely to be similar to that which fought so pitifully at Swansea City last week, although there could be at least two changes.</p>
<p>Wes Brown is currently between injuries and could turn his hand to a spot of football this weekend as a break from the norm. Also Ki Seung-Yong will likely come into midfield at the expense of someone. I'd guess at whoever it was in midfield that wasn't Craig Gardner. It really doesn't matter though.</p>
<p>Steven Fletcher will probably have the job of running around like a headless chicken while John O'Shea pumps the ball 25-foot away from him and waves his arms around a bit.</p>
<h4>Newcastle United Team News</h4>
<p>Newcastle will be up for this after a very good draw against Liverpool. Not only was it an inspiring comeback with a goal by a local lad, but also the sending off of Mapou Yanga-Mbwia will be a big boost.</p>
<p>Mapou was given the run around last season quite embarrassingly by Danny Graham, so either goal-getter Paul Dummett or perma-tanned bellend Steve Taylor will be plunged into action.</p>
<p>The midfield will likely be some French-speaking blokes and the fourth Jonas brother. The sexually adventurous Loic Remy will lead the line.</p>
<h4>Predicted Lineups</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Click to view tactic" href="http://sharemytactics.com/1984/"><img alt="Sunderland vs Newcastle United - Football tactics and formations" src="http://sharemytactics.com/1984/Sunderland-Newcastle-United-formation-tactics.png"></a></p>
<p><b>Sunderland: </b>Westwood, Celustka, Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Cattermole, Ki, Gardner, Johnson, Giaccherini, Fletcher</p>
<p><b>Newcastle United: </b>Krul, Debuchy, Williamson, Taylor, Santon, Cabaye, Tiote, Ben Arfa, Jonas, Gouffran, Remy</p>
<h4>Key Matchup: John O'Shea Vs Loic Remy</h4>
<p>God help us. Perhaps Remy will stand on a rake beforehand and hurt himself. I heard he's a rakist or something. that's pretty much our only hope.</p>
<h4>Recent Form: WLWLWD</h4>
<p>Win: Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle United (Ben Arfa 18, Benteke 67, Gouffran 73)</p>
<p>Loss: Newcastle United 2-3 Hull City Tigers (Remy 10 & 44, Brady 26, Elmohamady 48, Aluko 72)</p>
<p>Win: Newcastle United 2-0 Leeds United (Cisse 31, Gouffran 66)</p>
<p>Loss: Everton 3-2 Newcastle United (Lukaku 5 & 37, Barkley 25, Cabaye 51, Remy 89)</p>
<p>Win: Cardiff City 1-2 Newcastle United (Remy 30 & 38, Odemwingie 58)</p>
<p>Draw: Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool (Cabaye 23, Gerrard 42, Dummett 56, Sturridge 72)</p>
<h4>Last Time Around: Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle United, 21/10/12</h4>
<p>Demba Ba earned Sunderland a draw after failing to take advantage of being a man up from the 25th minute onwards, with Cheik Tiote sent off. Yohan Cabaye opened the scoring for the visitors after just three minutes, and we even played Louis Saha for a bit and somehow got a draw.</p>
<h4>The Ref: Lee Probert</h4>
<p>I think he's the one that's a bit of a twat. I'd look this up but I can't be arsed. Much like the game itself, this preview is becoming a massive inconvenience.</p>
<h4>What The Managers Said</h4>
<p><b>Gus Poyet</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think we should try and win this one, for the fans, the fans, some good shit about the fans 'cos we must keep talking about the fans to keep the fans on side and distract from the massive fucking problems at this club.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Alan Pardew</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I'm a smug cunt.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Roker Report Predicts</h4>
<p>We'll get beat. Newcastle fans celebrate wildly by throwing a street party, laughing and smiling even joking as they dance under the moonlight, arm-in-arm with their once mortal enemies -- horses and phoneboxes.</p>
<p>Various Sunderland players will in turn explain that they felt they played a bit better than last week, and they're going to work really REALLY hard next week to try and not look like a bunch of fucking retards. Oh, and you're the best fans in the world, please continue to buy tickets, tat and other officially licensed trinkets.</p>
<p><i>*Elements of this are sarcastic as fuck, and what?</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/4867246/preview-newcastle-next-in-line-for-comfortable-winSimonWalsh2013-10-25T11:00:01+01:002013-10-25T11:00:01+01:00Roker Riches: Our Derby Day Bets
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JQ9KCV-7jIrvv8HRxpY7CPfDZUE=/79x0:3921x2561/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21650187/166586129.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stu Forster</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ahead of a must-draw game against our nearest rivals Newcastle United, our betting team randomly click buttons on Oddschecker, and look for a scenario that could plausibly occur. </p> <table border="0" align="center" style="text-align: center;"></table>
<table border="0" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Pundit</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Last Week's Profit/Loss</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Current Balance</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Simon Walsh</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£44.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£104.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Stephen Goldsmith</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£10.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£89.80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Luke Bowley</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£7.53</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£46.56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dave Boyle</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£6.97</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£8.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Karl Jones</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Nick Holden</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£1.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Craig Clark</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£3.25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£7.25</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>The £100 mark has been reached for the first team this season, after Our Glorious Leader Simon Walsh netted an excellent £44 profit to take him to the top of the leaderboard. A lower league treble of Hartlepool/MK Dons/Leyton Orient is what gave Simon such a big win. I also won some money on an Orient win, but it was slim pickings elsewhere, as we pretty much all went for Sunderland to get a result for some reason. I'm sure we've learned our lesson this week:</p>
<h4>Luke Bowley</h4>
<p>Difficult to know what to bet on in this weekend's derby match. Of course, we all know Sunderland are hopelessly shit, and there are some quite tempting odds on, for example, Loic Remy to score anytime. But this would mean betting on Newcastle to do well, which I'm not going to consider, so I'll place money on someone scoring a penalty. There's normally a penalty, and with Craig Gardner on the pitch and not the Tyne and Wear Metro this time round, there's a strong possibility there'll be one.<br><br>Elsewhere I'm going for Fiorentina, boosted by their excellent come from behind win against Champions Juventus last weekend, to beat struggling Chievo.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sunderland Vs Newcastle, either team to score a penalty - 11/4 - £2 Stake</span></li>
<li><span>Fiorentina to beat Chievo - 11/10 - £10 Stake</span></li>
</ul>
<h4><span>Simon Walsh </span></h4>
<p>Absolutely delighted to be top. Almost makes everything worthwhile after all. Now only if I'd started backing the winners in real life, as every time I've put actual money down I seem to lose.</p>
<p>On to this weekends game and I'm feeling pretty grim about the entire situation. However, it's incredibly difficult for me to bring myself to bet against Sunderland, and I simply can't do that. Well actually I can, but I can't this week. Not at all. I'm going to go for there being three goals in the match, priced at 16/5.</p>
<p>Elsewhere I'm gonna go for a treble on 'Boro, Fleetwood Town and Bristol City, all to win. Worked last week at least.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sunderland Vs Newcastle, 3 total goals in game - 16/5 - £5 Stake</span></li>
<li><span>Middlesbrough, Fleetwood Town and Bristol City all to win - 11/1 - £4 Stake</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Craig Clark</h4>
<p>As a rule, I don't bet on the derby, but then again I usually start to feel nervous by this stage.</p>
<p>If I was looking at this match completely dispassionately - which in a sense I am, given my lack of feeling toward Sunderland a the moment - it'd be hard to look past a Newcastle win. They've scored a fair few goals this season whilst we like to give them away for free and despite their leaky defence, we don't appear to have the attacking threat to punish it.</p>
<p>That said, the signs point to a much changed side from the one that surrendered meekly in South Wales, so there's a chance a few of the more consistently pathetic performers won't find their way onto the pitch to capitulate once again. Whether the lads waiting in the wings can form a better team, remains to be seen.</p>
<p>I can't bring myself to go for a Mags win, so instead I'll go for us to hand Mike Williamson his first goal in a Newcastle shirt, probably from a corner since they seemingly rarely score from them. That would just about sum Sunderland up, wouldn't it?</p>
<p>Elsewhere, I'm going for Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Marseille, Leverkusen and Mainz to win.</p>
<ul>
<li>Mike Williamson to score anytime - 14/1 - £1 stake</li>
<li>Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Marseille, Leverkusen and Mainz to win - 6/1 - £5 stake </li>
</ul>
<div>
<h4>David Boyle</h4>
<p>If ever there was a game to avoid from a betting point of view it would be the unpredictable Tyne & Wear derby, however that wouldn't really help a feature based on gambling would it. What we do know heading into this game is that while Sunderland's defence has been an utter embarrassment this year, Newcastle's doesn't look especially strong either. So with that said I am going to back there to be goals come Sunday lunchtime, hopefully enough in our favour.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, I hate to double up bets with one of the other lads, but Fiorentina's clash with struggling Chievo also caught my eye while I was stumbling aimlessly around oddschecker and 11/10 isn't too bad a price all things considered there.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sunderland vs Newcastle: Over 2.5 Goals - 20/21 - £5 Stake</span></li>
<li><span>Fiorentina vs Chievo: Fiorentina win - 11/10 - £4 Stake</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/4987328/roker-riches-our-derby-day-betsLuke Bowley2013-10-25T09:00:07+01:002013-10-25T09:00:07+01:00Wise Men Say Podcast: Episode 11
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a9tjpPN982LWyvMyEVJcAdD4zwM=/0x891:2635x2648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21705321/183154062.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Episode 11 is up and ready for all you lucky lot. It's no good sticking your head in the sand - listen to us discuss Swansea and Newcastle. Go on. Go on...</p> <p>Morning. Don't you just love Derby games? No? Thought not.</p>
<p>This week has been official "Stop caring week", also known as "Don't read up on Sunderland and stick your head in the sand" week. I'm pleading with you to give up on these techniques and tune in to the latest podcast, it really might be quite therapeutic in a strange way.</p>
<p>Martin Smith was many a people's favourite player back when the side were really rubbish, and he dropped into the studio to try and offer us some players' insight into what exactly causes them to raise the white flag like they did at Swansea. To be fair, it wouldn't be entirely fair to expect him to diagnose what other managers have failed to.</p>
<p>Graeme Anderson, who we all know from the Sunderland Echo, also dropped in to give us his thoughts, he's certainly been through the thick and thin like the rest of us over the years. This currently feels like very thin times.</p>
<p>Martin Lindsay became the second Martin in the studio to talk Newcastle with us (Boooooooooo) and tell us just how confident they REALLY are of victory. We tried to make it feel like an away derby for Martin, by getting loads of students to wear their Sunderland tops and boo him through the looking glass of the studio every time he spoke. Ok, so that's not true but you already knew that.</p>
<p>Download (<a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/wise-men-say-independent-sunderland/id647571817">iTunes Link</a>), or listen (below) and either way, enjoy.</p>
<p><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/users/39886109"></iframe></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/5024480/wise-men-say-podcast-episode-11-a-tale-of-two-martinsGoldylad2013-10-24T15:00:02+01:002013-10-24T15:00:02+01:00Fan Focus: Behind Enemy Lines With Leazes Terrace
<figure>
<img alt="Dangerman Cabaye?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JBVNjyvIG46dKUQki_Hyzoo2_XU=/625x524:3605x2511/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21640601/185345492.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dangerman Cabaye? | Julian Finney</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We called a brief truce with the old enemy up the road to find out how the mood in the Newcastle camp is ahead of Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby</p> <p><b>Well here we go again. Newcastle find themselves smack bang in mid-table with an extremely even record of three wins, three losses and two draws. How have you assessed the season to date?</b></p>
<p><i>Leazes Terrace: </i>It's been as unpredictable as it suggests! The wins against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a>, Cardiff and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/">Fulham</a> were all fully deserved, but the performances served up against Hull and first half against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> were truly woeful - not to mention the mauling at Man City which we were almost complicit with. To some extent it's not a surprise as Pardew has struggled settle on a best XI and style of play to work at; and of course there is the matter of the infamous Gaelic eccentricity to deal with. I usually have a reasonable inclination of what to expect of the team before a game, but currently they're erratic and bewildering - effortless or effort less...<b></b></p>
<p><b>Putting rivalry aside for one moment, Newcastle have to be commended for their endeavours in seeking a better deal for away fans this season - a big win for a much maligned management?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Certainly - regardless of allegiances I'm delighted <i>a</i> club has taken what is a fairly bold business step in attempting it. Naturally it won't be taken up by all, but I believe it's a huge step in the right direction for away ticket prices in general and I hope to see other clubs attempt to do it for their fans. Now if only the allocation of TV fixtures could have a set of reasonable guidelines to follow us much neglected lads in the North-East might have a less stressful life getting to the football.<b></b></p>
<p><b>Much mirth was had at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle's</a> expense courtesy of Joe Kinnear's appointment and rumours still persistent of him simply existing as a mole in the camp for Ashley, what does the future hold for the club in this respect? Do you put any faith in the various conspiracy theories?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>He's certainly been employed as a mole for Ashley - the problem being is he's also a hindrance, distraction, embarrassment, pest, clown... Many theories have been aired; the particular one about replacing Pardew if / when things aren't to the satisfaction of elusive Ashley I think has some (undesirable) weight. Whatever happens, he's neither needed nor wanted by anyone here except one man - the owner.<b></b></p>
<p><b>Is Pardew indeed a Patsy?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Ha! Possibly - it depends on what side you're on. He probably takes more blame than is actually his to take, however the more he deflects blame from things which are very easily proved as being his fault the more heat he takes. In turn, he appears to react tit for tat, instead of a badly needed session of self-reflection - something that could have easily relegated us last season as he made wild, damaging reactions to a sizable but not unmanageable portion of bad luck thrown his way.<b></b></p>
<p><b>The two sides head into this weekend's derby following vastly different performances last time out, with Sunderland embarrassed and Newcastle securing a battling draw which has widely been regarded as, cliché alert, as good as a win. Do you believe Newcastle have the advantage this time around?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Difficult to say - Newcastle's form and performances have been too erratic to predict, and although <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland's</a> results have been dire the spirited performances against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> and Man Utd won't be easy to handle. The advantage Newcastle do take into the game is the team is creating and scoring goals well currently (12 in the last 6, with 6 different scorers) which is a relief to a defence which is pretty bad, but not as bad as Sunderland's.</p>
<p><b>With Coloccini ruled out through injury and now Yanga-Mbiwa suspended are there any concerns with regards to your defence? Is this a possible weak spot Sunderland could exploit?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>The defence has drifted between mediocre and utterly terrible so far this season so it's a concern. Debuchy has rightly taken much flak, but Santon is also being caught wide open; my concern primarily being that decent width and wing play can undo us too easily. <b></b></p>
<p><b>Vice-versa, Sunderland have shipped goals for fun this season, surely you must be confident that Newcastle will be capable of grabbing a goal or two at least, especially the likes of Loic Remy and of course <span>Hatem Ben Arfa</span>?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Remy has made a world of difference to our forward line - his confident efficiency on the ball, and tidy finishing exactly what we've needed as Papiss Cisse's form drops deeper into the bowels of the earth. Yohan Gouffran has been just as important in improving our goals return - although not possessing the ability of Remy, his work rate is superb, he's great on the counter and pops up with a smart finish here and there. Ben Arfa... I've given up trying to work out - although since Pardew labelled him 'unplayable' after Aston Villa he's been either ineffective or terrible (and I don't over exaggerate with the latter word.) If only you knew which one of him was going to turn up on the day.</p>
<p><b>Dismissals have altered the course of a few derbies in recent years and with <span>Lee Cattermole</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110405/chiek-tiote">Chiek Tiote</a> looking likely to be reunited on Sunday, sparks are certain to fly again?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>More than likely, but it does annoy me when it occurs. Obviously a derby is likely to be bad tempered, but I want to see my team play football over anything and not get drawn into a slog. Having said that, it worked in our favour in 2011/12, so swings and roundabouts.</p>
<p><b>Gus Poyet has masterminded a couple of famous wins with Brighton over Newcastle in recent years, any recollections of those games and what he did right?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Not particularly - the first game I think Newcastle turned up expecting things to be too easy and didn't match the home team's effort. The defeat last season was practically a gimme, with injuries meaning we had our u21s squad out, most of which aren't good enough, the remainder fragmented by being dragged into the first team for European games. It would have taken an implosion by Brighton to have won that game.</p>
<p><b>Any Sunderland player that gives you reason for concern?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Fletcher is a natural goal scorer, so even if he's not 100% fit I'd still be wary of him - Altidore's size concerns me if there's a battle on up front. From what I've seen of Sunderland this season, Giaccherini has stood out by a mile, although I understand that he might not carry the same consistency. Still, he's a concern if our full-backs aren't up for the game.</p>
<p><b>Who do you expect to have an impact on the game from a Newcastle perspective?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Cabaye is in excellent form, so I'm hoping he carries it into this game - his only concern being whether he can last a full 90mins. Tiote also was excellent against Liverpool as captain and I'd to think he's got a chance of returning to his early form at the club. Of all players, I'd be disappointed if Remy were not to cause your defence some problems.</p>
<p><b>Confident?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Neither confident nor worried, to be honest. The inconsistency of Newcastle mixed with Sunderland's home advantage (and presumably a reaction to last week's result) leaves it more balanced than recent results would suggests, even though on paper I would have reason to be confident.</p>
<p><b>Prediction?</b></p>
<p><i>LT: </i>Least worse defence wins, so I'll go with 2-1 to the away side.<img v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" alt="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" src="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDavid%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_image001.gif" height="1" width="1"></p>
<p><i>Many thanks to our friends over at </i><a href="http://www.leazesterrace.com/" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Leazes Terrace</a><i> for taking the time to answer our questions ahead of Sunday's big game. Be sure to check them out on </i><a href="https://twitter.com/LeazesTerrace" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Twitter</a><i> if you fancy snooping on the old enemy.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2013/10/24/4948072/fan-focus-behind-enemy-lines-with-the-leazes-terraceDavid Boyle