Newcastle United legend Shola Ameobi has admitted that he would not like to see Sunderland relegated from the Premier League.
The Black Cats' top-flight status also hangs in the balance as Sam Allardyce's side sit 18th in the table, one point behind 17th-placed Norwich City and one point above Newcastle.
As it stands, it appears as if one, if not both, North-East giants could indeed drop down into the Championship, and though Ameobi hopes it is not United, the ex-Magpies striker would also be disappointed if Sunderland go down.
"I still believe that the club will be in the Premier League come the end of the season," he is quoted as saying by Sporting Life. "With the manager and the quality that's there, it's just about putting it together.
"I'm all for all the north-east clubs being in the same league, Middlesbrough included. Those are the games that you look for at the start of the season. That adds to our season, having the two Sunderland games there. The fans look forward to those games and I'm a big fan of all the north-east teams doing well.
"Ideally Newcastle are at the top of that pile, which we have been in recent years. It will mean Sunderland and Norwich going down but my allegiance isn't to any of those teams, it's to Newcastle first and foremost. It would be unfortunate for them but all that matters in terms of being a fan is that Newcastle stay in the league."
Sunderland, who have a game in hand over Norwich and Newcastle, host Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, while Rafael Benitez and co visit in-form Liverpool on Saturday.
Shane Callaghan
