The Athletic FC Podcast: The Preview – Sunderland vs Newcastle
Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Matt
Guests: Mark Critchley (“Critch”), Andy Jones, James Mackey
Episode Overview
This flagship episode gears up listeners for the return of the Tyne-Wear Derby—Sunderland vs Newcastle United—in the Premier League for the first time since 2016. Host Matt is joined by Mark Critchley and Andy Jones to break down what’s at stake, team form, key individuals, and predictions for the match. The episode also delves into other major talking points in the English football landscape, including Mohamed Salah’s ongoing saga at Liverpool, and rapid previews of other upcoming Premier League clashes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Mo Salah-Liverpool Fall-Out
[02:44 – 13:49]
- Tantrum & Fallout: The episode kicks off discussing the falling out between Mohamed Salah and new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, after Salah was benched for three consecutive matches.
- Communication Breakdown: There’s speculation about failed talks after the Sunderland game, leading to Salah's now-famous outburst post-Leeds ("the club promised me... nothing so far... I’m on the bench three games" - Andy, 02:59).
- Slot’s Response: Slot claims "I have no reasons to not want Salah to stay", though Critchley suggests this is "party line" diplomacy while Liverpool hope for public calm and private resolution.
- Liverpool Without Salah: Analysis of Liverpool’s improved defensive solidity since Salah’s absence; two clean sheets in recent matches compared to a leaky run with Salah starting.
- Legacy & Fanbase Reaction: The hosts lament the prospect of Salah's remarkable Liverpool legacy ending with a public rupture. Critchley notes the fanbase is split – “Some people can sympathize with Salah’s complaints, others don’t... It does seem quite divisive and perhaps slightly more divisive than I expected” (10:18).
- Key Quote:
"No matter whether you're Mo Salah, Lionel Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo—once you can't do it, it becomes a problem."
— Mark Critchley [11:10] - Short vs. Long Term: While Liverpool are stabilizing short-term, this saga is painted as the beginning of the end for Salah.
2. Tyne-Wear Derby Preview: Sunderland vs Newcastle
[13:49 – 22:01, 25:54 – 35:21]
Historical & Emotional Context
- Huge Fixture Return: “It feels good that we’ve got this fixture back in the Premier League. The Premier League’s stronger for having proper derbies like the Tyne-Wear Derby.” – Critchley [14:47]
- Sunderland have gone nine unbeaten in the league against Newcastle (6W, 3D); Newcastle’s last league win dates to August 2011.
- Extra security and early kickoff (2pm) cited, referencing infamous crowd incidents.
Form & Approach
- Sunderland’s vibrant start: 9th, unbeaten at home, exceeding expectations post-promotion.
- Newcastle's struggles: Patchy away form, physical/mental toll of midweek Champions League fixtures.
- Key tactical battle: Sunderland’s defensive solidity at home vs Newcastle’s attempt to shake off their away-day blues.
Managerial Mindset
- Praise for Sunderland manager Regis Labris for cool-headed leadership and squad transformation.
- Both managers lauded for level-headedness, which could help temper derby-day overexcitement in players.
Individual Battles
[25:54 – 35:21]
- Xhaka vs Guimarães Midfield Duel:
"I'm trying to imagine what a Granit Xhaka red card looks like and what a Bruno Guimarães red card looks like. Both have been superb this season."
— Mark Critchley [26:13] - Possibility of Red Cards & Atmosphere: Potential for heated exchanges and cards, especially with emotional crowd—“There'll be a few meaty ones.” — Andy [28:00]
- Keepers in Focus:
- Robin Roos (Sunderland) hailed as “absolutely sensational” [30:11].
- Newcastle keeper debate: Pope vs Ramsdale—Critchley prefers Pope for solidity, but lauds Roos as the signing of the season.
Score Predictions
- Andy: "It's going to be mad. I'm going to go two-two." [31:23]
- Critchley: "I really like the two-two shout... I feel like it’s going to be 10-9 Newcastle—in terms of players left on the pitch at the end." [31:42]
Betting Angle
- Sunderland are narrow outsiders, but recent record vs Newcastle says otherwise.
- Bet Builder: Trey Hume (Sunderland) to be carded (5:2), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) to score (12:5). [34:07]
3. Other Premier League Previews
[35:38 – 57:41]
Chelsea vs Everton
- Everton’s Renaissance: Knights like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Illiman Njai pivotal; Everton outperforming expectations under Maresca.
- Rotation Issues: Chelsea fielding heavily rotated XIs (average >5 changes/game), prompting ‘Tinkerman’ Ranieri comparisons.
Arsenal, City & Title Race
- Arsenal host Wolves—Wolves given a 1% chance by the bookies!
- City vs Palace: Pep’s focus remains laser-fixed on the title, not FA Cup revenge.
- Rayan Cherki (City) drawing plaudits as a new fan favourite.
Relegation Battle & Other Storylines
- Burnley in desperate need of a win vs Fulham.
- Brentford-Leeds: Are Brentford in relegation danger? Guests feel the club will be “smart enough to stay up” (Critchley [57:41]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Salah’s standoff:
"I think we may even say you’re in the middle of the end of Mo Salah at Liverpool... I don’t think any of us saw it being quite as explosive as it has been."
— Mark Critchley [06:47] -
Atmosphere in Sunderland:
"Full of emotion, full of passion—that’s what you want derbies to be about. I don’t think there’ll be any tears on the pitch but I think there’ll be a few in the stands..."
— Andy Jones [16:07] -
On promoted clubs’ transfer business:
"He’s [Robin Roos] a symbol of just how really spot on Sunderland’s business was during the summer… they got more right than wrong."
— Mark Critchley [30:38] -
On league unpredictability:
"You look at Liverpool—had that terrible run but one win takes them up to like fifth… It’s pretty crazy how close it is this season."
— Andy Jones [43:40] -
Score prediction banter:
"I feel like it’s going to be 10-9 Newcastle—in terms of players left on the pitch at the end."
— Mark Critchley [31:42]
Key Timestamps
- 02:44–13:49 – Mo Salah/Liverpool discussion
- 13:49–22:01 – Sunderland vs Newcastle match build-up
- 25:54–35:21 – Midfield/keeper duels, individual matchups, predictions
- 35:38–43:12 – Chelsea, Everton, race for Europe
- 48:30–54:25 – Arsenal, City, Palace and title implications
- 54:25–57:41 – Burnley, Brentford, relegation zone
Tone & Style
- Engaging, with friendly banter and irreverence (“I’m just hoping that’s what I’m going to be watching on Sunday.” – Andy [31:29]).
- Analytical insights backed with stats and real examples.
- Balanced, with hosts eager to represent both fan and neutral perspectives ("No matter what form Everton are in, Goodison Park felt like one of your hardest games of the season." – Andy [20:01]).
Conclusion
This episode stands out for its lively, comprehensive build-up to one of English football’s most intense derbies, while also catching listeners up on the Premier League’s biggest stories—including superstar standoffs and the ever-shifting race for Europe and survival. The podcast’s knowledgeable panel takes listeners inside the drama, detail, and emotion fueling the weekend’s biggest games.