Regis Le Bris answers age old Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough question | OneFootball

Newcastle United are in the middle of a three match away run.

Eddie Howe’s side having won at Wolves on Sunday in the Premier League, now play Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday also in the Premier League, before then a trip to AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

No such Premier League challenges for either Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

The two Championship sides having already exited from the Carabao Cup before reaching the third round. Middlesbrough hammered 5-0 at home by Stoke City, whilst Sunderland eliminated in the very first round by Preston.

Anyway, it means no cup distractions ahead of this weekend, when the two local lower league sides meet each other.

Sunderland at home to Middlesbrough, a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday.

Ahead of that clash, Mackem boss Roger Le Bris has been asked the age old Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough question.

How many of the games between the trio can be said to be a ‘derby’ match.

Regis Le Bris answering at his pre-match press conference:

Middlesbrough fans have always been desperate to claim matches against the Mackems and even Newcastle United, as derby games. The 30 miles to Sunderland make that very dubious whilst any claim of Newcastle United against Middlesbrough being a derby match is clearly ridiculous.

Boro are in no-man’s land with Leeds United the next closest major club. In reality, the likes of Hartlepool and Darlington are the only two clubs close enough to be considered a derby match if Middlesbrough ever play them, both places around 15 miles away for the Riverside.

Newcastle United upcoming match schedule, confirmed to end of November:

Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 24 September 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+

Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports