Sunderland have enjoyed an encouraging start to life back in the Premier League, and their return has been far stronger than many expected. Sitting three points ahead of Newcastle United as they prepare for a huge clash later this month, the mood around the Stadium of Light is positive.
But as well as the excitement, there is a growing sense of caution, because several key players are walking a suspension tightrope that could have a major impact on the derby.
Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki have been at the heart of Sunderland’s midfield since the season kicked off. Both have been ever-present and both have set the tone with their energy, discipline, and fearlessness.
But with that has also come a risk. Each player has collected four yellow cards in the club’s opening 13 league matches, and Premier League rules are unforgiving.
Any player who picks up five bookings inside the first 19 matches automatically receives a one-match ban. That means one more caution for either player will immediately rule them out of the next league game.
Sadiki’s fourth yellow came in the match against Everton, while Xhaka’s most recent caution arrived against his former club Arsenal shortly before the November international break.
Since then, both players have done well to avoid any further cards, but the danger still hangs over them. Sunderland now travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, and any lapse in judgment from either midfielder would see them ruled out of the weekend trip to Manchester City.
Even more worryingly for supporters, if Xhaka or Sadiki avoid a booking at Anfield but then pick one up against Manchester City, they would miss the derby against Newcastle United.
With six league matches to get through before the suspension deadline resets, the chances of both players staying card-free are slim. For a team that relies so heavily on their presence in midfield, this is a challenge the manager will have to navigate carefully.
There are others who must also watch their discipline. Reinildo Mandava and Trai Hume sit on three yellow cards each and could only miss the derby if they are booked in both upcoming matches against Liverpool and Manchester City.
While less likely, the possibility still exists, and Sunderland know they can’t afford to lose too many first-team regulars before such an important fixture.
On the Newcastle side, the picture is much simpler. No United player is at immediate risk of missing the derby because of yellow card accumulation. Dan Burn, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton have all been booked three times, but with only one league fixture left before the derby, none of them can reach the five-booking threshold in time to trigger a ban.
However, all three will need to be careful in the weeks that follow, as they also need to go another five matches without picking up two more cautions. Aside from those three, no other Newcastle player has been booked more than once.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris spoke calmly about the situation when asked about his midfield duo and the pressure they are under. He explained that he and the players have discussed the matter, but insisted he is not overly concerned.
For him, it is not a new situation, and he trusts both Xhaka and Sadiki to manage themselves responsibly. While the derby is in the back of everyone’s mind, he stressed that the team’s priority is to collect points now and trust the depth of the squad if suspensions eventually come.
Sunderland have at least received some good news ahead of what will be one of the most important periods of their season. Up to seven players are expected to be called up for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month, but all of them will remain available until after the derby.
Le Bris admitted that this is a welcome boost, especially with the squad currently free of injuries. Several players who have not played much so far will also have the chance to step up, and the manager believes the overall group is strong enough to cope with whatever challenges come their way.
