- Sunderland versus Newcastle in the FA Cup is the hottest ticket in town this week
- Former players on both sides made sure they got one so they could be there
- Sunderland could be the catalyst for real pressure to engulf Eddie Howe – It’s All Kicking Off
As soon as Sunderland were drawn against bitter rivals Newcastle in the FA Cup, it quickly became the hottest ticket in town.
While fans scrambled for tickets, it appears some of Sunderland and Newcastle’s former players ensured they soaked up the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.
England No 1 Jordan Pickford, who rose to stardom at Sunderland, was spotted in attendance, while the hosts’ former striker Fabio Borini jetted in for the match.
Meanwhile, former Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor made the trip with the away fans and was reportedly in the 6,000-strong away end.
It is the first time in almost eight years that these two old rivals have locked horns.
Jordan Pickford (left) and Fabio Borini (right) returned to Sunderland for the Tyne-Wear derby
Borini’s return in particular conjures up great memories for Sunderland fans from this fixture in yesteryear.
The Italian striker netted the winner at the Stadium of Light in a 2-1 victory in 2013.
Then, to further his cult hero status, Borini scored a penalty en route to Sunderland’s 3-0 win at St James’ Park later that season.
While Borini now plays back in his native Italy he has kept his love of Sunderland close to his heart.
Former Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor (middle) was in the away end for the FA Cup clash
It is the first time in almost eight years that these two fierce rivals have locked horns
He scored 17 goals in 93 appearances during his spells at the club between 2013 and 2018.
Another Sunderland striker made sure he was in town for this most anticipated of clashes.
Jermain Defoe was spotted in Bradley Lowery’s box, named after the young Sunderland who Defoe grew very close to as he battled a rare cancer, which he died from in 2017.
