Are Newcastle in better shape to stay in the Premier League than Sunderland?

By then both teams will have played just two more games and heading into the Wear-Tyne derby winless after nine matches is just as likely as one of them finding that elusive victory from somewhere in the next few weeks.

After signs of improvement against Chelsea, there may well be a greater confidence that things could soon turn around for Newcastle. But the prospect of a trip to Manchester City this weekend is not an ideal opportunity.

At the same time Sunderland will be trying to overcome a West Ham side which has already won at Arsenal, the Etihad and Liverpool this season. The Hammers will not be afraid of trying to make matters worse in the North-East.

After that Sunderland have West Brom at The Hawthorns and Newcastle face Norwich at St James’ Park before the two rivals face each other on October 25. By that time the gap to safety could be even greater; with four points and three points, respectively speaking, to make up on Stoke in 17th place already.

Either way, things need to improve. Is it possible? And if so, which of the North-East’s Premier League clubs are in the best shape to stay up this season?

HEAD COACH

If it could be based simply on achievements listed on a managerial CV then Dick Advocaat would win hands down. The Dutchman clearly has it in him to turn Sunderland around, as proved that in his initial nine-game run last season.

But Advocaat, who still puts on a smile and claims to still believe in the squad he has at his disposal, does not sound as if he is any nearer to finding a solution to his team’s problems. He talks about changing the shape again this weekend and one day his tinkering might pay off.

Steve McClaren looks to be closer to at least working out the best formation to use with Newcastle. He also boasts far more experience of the English game and has a decent record of turning poor situations around.

It should also not be overlooked that McClaren is planning long-term at Newcastle. Advocaat is expected to leave at the end of the season.

Newcastle United 1 Sunderland 0

LEADERS IN THE DRESSING ROOM

Despite an improvement in performance and a greater show of character against Chelsea, there remain question marks over the desire which exists in the Newcastle squad. That is unlikely to go away, with a pool of players still to prove that playing for the club means something.

Fabricio Coloccini is the most experienced and one of the longest serving players, but uncertainty surrounding his future over the last couple of years has coincided with a drop in performance levels. McClaren needs him to lead by example. Far too many members of the team appear to hide when the going gets tough.

Compare that with Sunderland, who do have Lee Cattermole fit and available. He is exactly what Advocaat needs, provided the internationals around him can handle a cajoling from a player never afraid to say what he thinks.

He also has John O’Shea and Wes Brown, but all have to be pulling in the same direction - which is what Cattermole claimed they were doing after the weekend defeat at Manchester United.

Newcastle United 1 Sunderland 1

DEFENSIVE STABILITY, OR LACK OF IT

Even though Sunderland signed Sebastian Coates, Younes Kaboul, Adam Matthews and DeAndre Yedlin during the summer, defensively they have been a joke, conceding 16 goals in their opening seven Premier League games.

Kaboul and Coates look incapable of playing effectively together and Advocaat will spend this week – once again – trying to make his team tighter as a unit to provide greater protection. There is, though, nowhere else to turn, so he must hope that the players can gel soon.

Newcastle have not looked much better at the back. When they concede one, they are more than likely to ship another. The difference to Sunderland is that Chancel Mbemba has at least shown signs of potential, while Daryl Janmaat could walk into most Premier League teams as a right-back.

Newcastle United 2 Sunderland 1

WHO BOASTS THE GREATEST ATTACKING THREAT?

On one hand there is the Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez link up which could develop in to something this season, although it is too early to tell.

On the other, Sunderland have greater experience of the English league. As well as having summer recruits Ola Toivonen and Jeremain Lens – who has looked dangerous since his move from Kiev – there is a clear threat from Jermain Defoe and Fabio Borini, provided the boss can find a suitable system to accommodate them all.

Since Borini moved from Liverpool at the end of August, Sunderland look more dangerous with greater movement in the final third. Newcastle, until the visit of Chelsea, struggled on that front, but the Perez-Mitrovic combo could be what McClaren banks on.

Newcastle United 2 Sunderland 2

THE BOARDROOM POLICY

THIS is not necessarily about Mike Ashley versus Ellis Short, although the former’s summer spending suggests he could splash the cash again in January if he felt it was required, particularly if he could move on the likes of Papiss Cisse and Cheik Tiote.

The biggest question mark is what direction both clubs see themselves heading. Newcastle clearly have a plan (albeit one that many disagree with), while Sunderland appear to be more ad-hoc.

Ashley’s buy young from abroad policy has raised doubts about the commitment the players have to keeping Newcastle in the top-flight, while at Sunderland, Advocaat admits they have brought in players unwanted at their parent clubs.

There also seems to have been greater input on transfers from the head coach at Newcastle because of McClaren’s healthy relationship with chief scout Graham Carr and the fact he is on the board as a director. That bodes well for further investment.

At the Stadium of Light, Advocaat did not get exactly what he wanted when he agreed to stay on, even if sporting director Lee Congerton tried. He wanted the extra quality rather than quantity, so January could be another big month for Sunderland again; if Advocaat can get that far.

FINAL SCORE: Newcastle United 3 Sunderland 2