Newcastle United Women travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland Women in the first Wear-Tyne derby of the WSL2 season, with the top two sides in the division going head to head. Newcastle currently lead the table, while Sunderland sit second, three points behind, making this a pivotal clash in the promotion race.
Derby Stakes and Early Season Form
Sunderland have already claimed a 1-0 League Cup win over United earlier this season, but a victory on Wearside would be a major step forward for Tanya Oxtoby's side. Newcastle come into the game with six wins and a draw from their opening seven matches, giving them 19 points. Sunderland have lost only once this term, at Ipswich, and have also drawn with Southampton, leaving them on 16 points. Bristol City are level on points with Sunderland, having played a game more.
McGovern Eyes Revenge
Newcastle forward Kathleen McGovern is keen to set the record straight after the earlier derby defeat. Speaking to ChronicleLive about the League Cup loss, she said: "I think looking back, it was a really off-day for us. It's something that I hadn't seen within the team before. It was great with the fans."
McGovern added: "I didn't really know what to expect, so it was good for me to get a first taste of a derby. I know what it's like in Scotland, so it was interesting to see what it was like down here. But obviously, the fans made it feel like that as well. I thought that they were brilliant throughout. They supported us for the full 90, which was great. And hopefully, they can do the same again."
She concluded: "But I think that day was a very off day for us. It's really unlike us. And I know that we'll be ready to fight back."
Team News and Live Coverage
Team news is expected ahead of the match, with live updates to follow throughout the afternoon as the two North East rivals contest Tyne-Wear bragging rights at the Stadium of Light.
