Newcastle United’s captain, Bruno Guimaraes, has stated that to be regarded as “kings” in the Northeast, his team must defeat Sunderland in the upcoming Tyne-Wear derby, set for Super Sunday. This match marks the first Premier League encounter between the two fierce rivals since March 2016, with Newcastle not having won a league derby since April 2011. However, the Magpies claimed victory in the last clash during the FA Cup in January 2024, winning 3-0, with Guimaraes playing the entire match.
The 25-year-old midfielder expressed excitement about the rivalry, emphasizing the significance of the match for both teams and their fan bases. “Since the Burnley game, I’ve received numerous messages about Sunderland. The fans and us as players are eager for this game after nine years without a [Premier League] derby,” he told Sky Sports News. He acknowledged the challenging atmosphere of the derby, stating, “We know if we want to be kings here, we have to win.”
Sunderland, having surprised many since their recent promotion to the Premier League, currently sit ninth in the table, one point ahead of Newcastle. Guimaraes remarked on their performance, stating, “They’ve done very well; we must give them credit. It won’t be an easy game, but we need to believe in ourselves.” He understands the importance of the match, referring to it as a “game of six points” due to the implications for both teams’ standings.
In preparation for the intense showdown, local player Dan Burn is expected to rally the team with a speech about the derby’s significance, helping newcomers appreciate the rivalry’s rich history. Guimaraes acknowledged Burn’s influence, highlighting the importance of conveying the derby’s meaning to the squad.
Interestingly, Guimaraes’ father, a beloved figure among Newcastle fans, will miss the match as he is currently in Brazil. Nonetheless, he remains a central figure in the Newcastle community, often garnering more attention than his son during matches.
As anticipation builds for the Tyne-Wear derby, Guimaraes and his teammates are determined to deliver their best performance and secure a much-needed victory to strengthen their position in the league. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday, with kick-off set for 2:00 PM.