Our resident North-East football expert has cast his opinion on the games around the region this weekend...
Try our feedback button, and see if you can beat him!
Sunderland v Tottenham
Premier League (Saturday, 12.45pm)
Tough situation for Sunderland this weekend as a victory would boost their outside chances of a European spot, but also boost fierce rivals Newcastle’s Champions League aspirations. Spurs might be scrapping for a Champions League spot, but have not been the exciting force they were prior to Harry Redknapp being linked to the England job. Martin O’Neill’s career record far surpasses that of Tottenham’s manager’s, and he will want to prove his superiority over ‘Arry once more with a home victory.
‘Harry for England’ brigade to be silenced yet again, as O’Neill masterminds 2-1 victory.
Middlesbrough v Cardiff
Championship (Saturday, 3pm)
We’ve been saying it for weeks, but this week is more vital than ever. Middlesbrough, simply, HAVE to win. Tony Mowbray’s men have slipped out of the play-off spots after six games without a win, and face a Cardiff side that are just two points behind Boro. A host of teams can still qualify for the play-offs and Boro have six games to force their way into the top six. But with teams dropping points all over the place, teams seem more keen on not losing than winning. Only Crystal Palace have drawn more home games than Boro, while Cardiff have picked up one point on the road more times than anyone else in the division. Draw written all over it.
Seven without a win for Boro, but Cardiff will remain behind them in the table after a 2-2 draw.
