Newcastle United have their sights set on Champions League qualification, but a former Sunderland player will have different ideas this weekend.
The upcoming weekend has the potential to be one that Sunderland supporters will remember for a long time.
All eyes will be on the play-off final on Saturday, as Sunderland take on Sheffield United at Wembley with a place in the Premier League at stake.
However, Sunday is also a big day for the black and white portion of Tyneside.
Newcastle face Everton with a win securing their Champions League qualification.
Chelsea and Aston Villa are equal on points with Newcastle, meaning it is all to play for on the final day of the Premier League season and one side is set to miss out.

Le Bris is one step away from taking Sunderland to the Premier League (Credit: Imago)
Everton’s Jordan Pickford could shatter Newcastle’s hopes
Everton go into the final day with nothing to play for on paper, with their Premier League status intact for another season.
Ashley Young, who is set to leave Everton in the summer, revealed the motivation for him and his teammate Jordan Pickford going into their game against Newcastle.
PositionClubPointsGoal Difference4thNewcastle United66+225thChelsea66+206thAston Villa66+9The race for the Champions League has gone down to the final day
Speaking to talkSPORT (22 May), Young said: “It’d be nice if [Pickford], given his roots with Sunderland, can stop Newcastle from getting in the Champions League. That’d make [my final game] even better.”
Pickford made 31 appearances for the Black Cats after having come through their youth setup.
The England international was impressive for Sunderland during the 2016/17 campaign despite their relegation. The goalkeeper then made his way to Merseyside, where he has played since.

The Stadium of Light may host Premier League football next season (Credit: Imago)
Potential for a massive Sunderland party this weekend
Before every Sunderland fan tunes in to see a potential Newcastle heartbreak, they will first turn their attention to the play-off final.
Regis Le Bris’ men have been outstanding for large portions of the Championship campaign, but they ended the season terribly, losing their last five league games as they finished 4th.
They managed to put this poor form in the rear-view mirror when Dan Ballard scored a late winner to ensure they booked their place at Wembley. The Black Cats managed to defeat Coventry 3-2 on aggregate in the play-off semi-final.
A common complaint about Sunderland this season is that they have allowed the opposition to dictate the tempo of the game. To return to the Premier League, they cannot afford for this to happen against Sheffield United.
The Blades are the favourites going into the tie as they finished 14 points above the Tyneside outfit in the league.
But in one-off games of this magnitude, the travelling Sunderland supporters could push their side over the line if they can generate an atmosphere similar to the one against Coventry.
