Eddie Howe stated, "We've got to play like our lives depend on it," emphasizing the urgency and importance of the upcoming Tyne-Wear Derby against Sunderland.
Starting with the hosts, last seen on Friday night putting in another sensational performance as they stormed their way to a thumping 4-1 victory at home against Drogheda, St. Patrick's will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Despite spending the majority of last season sat in Premier Division limbo, Stephen Kenny's men have made a string of improvements this time around and have come flying out of the traps since opening up the 2026 campaign.