Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe responds to Sunderland AFC promotion dilemma | OneFootball

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe gave his thoughts on the prospect of two Tyne-Wear derbies ahead of Sunderland's play-off campaign.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has responded to the prospect of playing two Tyne-Wear derbies against Sunderland next season, ahead of the Black Cats' play-off semi-final against Coventry City.

The two arch-rivals from the North East last went head-to-head in January 2024, with Newcastle winning 3-0 at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup third round clash.

Prior to the meeting in the cup, the last time the sides met was in March 2016, with the rivals playing out a 1-1 draw at St. James' Park.

Eddie Howe reacts when posed with Sunderland AFC play-off dilemma

And ahead of the Wearsiders' Friday evening's play-off semi-final first leg against Coventry, Howe has spoken about the prospect of two derbies next season should Sunderland go all the way and achieve promotion.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Howe said: "I think I was asked about this yesterday, and I am very much sat on the fence.

"If the games come, we'll embrace the games.

"But it's interesting to see the playoffs, obviously I saw a bit of the game last night (Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield United), and I think the playoffs always had a lot of drama, so let's wait and see."

Sunderland will look to recover from 2023 play-off heartbreak

Heading into Friday evening's first leg against Coventry, Sunderland are aiming to get past the step at which they fell two years ago, as they lost to Luton Town, who went on to achieve promotion to the Premier League.

On their way to finishing fourth, the Black Cats saw a far-from-ideal end to the league campaign as they went on a six-game winless run.

Speaking ahead of the clash, ex-Watford talisman Troy Deeney told Sky Sports: "At this moment in time, Coventry have all the momentum in their favour."

Picking up ten points in their last six compared to just one for Sunderland, Coventry carry vital momentum into their play-off campaign.

Ahead of two crucial legs of play-off football, Sunderland are looking for a reset from their end to the league campaign, and move closer towards two potential derbies next season - ones they would no doubt relish if they were able to secure them.