There is likely to be no Tyne-Wear derby this season, with Newcastle United and Sunderland competing in different divisions.
When Newcastle United were condemned to relegation last season by fierce rivals Sunderland, who retained their Premier League status in the process, there was a lot of heartache on Tyneside – as well as a lot of laughing on Wearside.
It was another moment in which the Black Cats got the better of the Magpies, with their win against Everton sending the Geordies down to the Championship, making Sunderland’s great escape even sweeter.
Sunderland’s Jan Kirchhoff in action with Newcastle’s Aleksandar Mitrovic
Newcastle’s relegation, however, meant that one thing would be probably be missing in the North East this season: the Tyne-Wear derby.
Some fans relish it, whereas others hate it, but the clash between Sunderland and Newcastle has always been the first the fans look for when the fixtures are released.
It hasn’t been a kind fixture to Newcastle in recent years, with the Magpies last win against their rivals coming in 2011. Sunderland managed to win six consecutive derbies between 2013 and 2015, with a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park last season ending Sunderland’s winning streak.
While Rafael Benitez’s side are now riding high in the second tier, David Moyes’ squad are struggling in the top flight, sitting rock bottom of the Premier League.
Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after scoring the first goal for Newcastle
The good times are certainly rolling at Newcastle again, but do the Geordie masses miss the electricity of the Tyne-Wear derby? HITC Sport’s Michael Ramsay went to find out.
Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko in action against Sunderland’s Lee Cattermole
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
