Source: Daily_Mail
Toon barmy: Enrique is relishing the derby day clash with Sunderland
Newcastle[LNB]full-back Jose Enrique needs no second warning about the importance of tomorrow's derby at home to Sunderland[LNB]. [LNB]The 23-year-old Spaniard played in the corresponding fixture last season, which his side won 2-0, and was left in little doubt to how much it matters to the respective clubs.[LNB] Affecting lives: Jose Enrique (left) knows how big the derby clash is[LNB] Newcastle United FC: All the news from across the web[LNB]Sunderland FC: All threw news from across the web[LNB]Newcastle v Sunderland: Nolan and Butt boost midfield options[LNB]Valencia-born Enrique said: 'It's a huge game for me and for the whole city of Newcastle. [LNB]'I didn't need to be told how big it was - I know from last season how big this game is, and what it means for the Geordie people. [LNB]'Last year is a typical example - because after the game, I had to wait in the stadium for nearly two hours when the fans went crazy in the city afterwards. [LNB]'For these people, that shows how important it is. [LNB]'It's exactly like the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in La Liga. I would say it is almost an equivalent in England - because the whole city will wait to see what the result is, and it affects people's lives.' [LNB] If anything, the stakes are even higher this time around - with the Magpies in severe danger of succumbing to the tide of problems threatening to engulf the club. [LNB]Manager Joe Kinnear is expecting owner Mike Ashley to make his first appearance at St James' Park since September 13, when he found himself the target for a fans' backlash in the wake of Kevin Keegan's departure. [LNB]Having aborted his plan to sell the club after finding no takers despite a worldwide search, he is now attempting to bolster a squad which has been weakened alarmingly by a suspect transfer policy and a bewildering list on injuries. [LNB]Midfielder Kevin Nolan, a £4million signing from Bolton yesterday, will make his debut against the Black Cats - and a prospective swap deal involving Wigan full-back Ryan Taylor and disaffected French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia is progressing. [LNB]While victory may ease Ashley's return, anything less could test Kinnear's assertion that only a minority of supporters have issues with the owner. [LNB]But for Enrique and his team-mates, events on the pitch will be the only focus as they attempt to drag themselves away from the Barclays Premier League trap door. [LNB]By the time the derby kicks off, Newcastle - attempting to end a run of five league games without a win - may have slipped back into the bottom three. [LNB]The former Villarreal defender said: 'You only have to look at our position in the Premier League. We need to win this game to get out of the relegation area. [LNB]'There are two reasons to win - for local pride and, of course, to climb away from danger.' [LNB]Sunderland, who eased their own relegation fears with a midweek victory over Fulham, took the spoils at the Stadium of Light in October when Kieran Richardson's late free-kick clinched a 2-1 win. [LNB] That was their first home league victory over Newcastle in more than 28 years, and they will arrive at St James' Park looking to complete a double they have not achieved since the 1966-67 season. [LNB]The Magpies will go into the game without Shay Given - who is in talks with Manchester City - as well as the injured Michael Owen, Mark Viduka, Joey Barton, Habib Beye, Danny Guthrie and Shola Ameobi. [LNB]In addition, N'Zogbia will not be involved after insisting he will never play for Kinnear again. [LNB]He expects to complete his move to Wigan over the weekend, having told L'Equipe: 'It isn't totally sorted out, but that will be done from Saturday when my agent arrives in England. "It has been complicated, especially at the end, but I am relieved.'[LNB] [LNB]
