Michael Beale insists the ONLY difference between Sunderland and Newcastle is their finances, as the Black Cats boss claims the North East rivals are even in terms of 'status, support and size'

Michael Beale has insisted that Sunderland are just as big a club as rivals Newcastle ahead of the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016.

The Black Cats have won six of the last seven clashes between the two clubs, with the most recent recent meeting seeing the two teams draw 1-1 at St James' Park in March 2016 after Aleksandar Mitrovic rescued a late point for the hosts.

Newcastle would ultimately be relegated from the Premier League that season, just two points behind their bitter rivals who avoided the drop in 17th place.