'I think they will': Jeff Stelling now expects the Tyne-Wear derby to return to the Premier League next season

There's no getting away from the fact that Sunderland are flying in the Championship this season under Regis Le Bris but surely it's too soon to be talking about promotion.

It's early days in the season still and while Sunderland are doing exceptionally well so far, they do have a habit of tailing off in the mid-to-late season regardless of who the manger is.

Reggie The Cheese is doing exceptionally well this season with the Black Cats two points clear of Sheffield United at the top of the table as things stand.

However, we're only a third of the way through the season and a lot could go wrong yet, so it's too soon to be dreaming of the Tyne Wear derby for Newcastle United and probably even most Sunderland fans.

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Jeff Stelling believes Newcastle and Sunderland will face off in the Premier League next season

TalkSPORT host Jeff Stelling, however, doesn't think the Mackems will slip up too much and is backing them for promotion (h/t The Chronicle).

“There will be a Tyne-Wear derby once again. Sunderland are at the top of the table. It may not seem a very daring prediction, but when you think of the parachute payments that some of the big boys have got there.

“You think of the strength of Leeds United, the fact that Sheffield United are coming good once again, I think would be an amazing achievement for Sunderland. Not necessarily to win the Championship, but for them to be promoted back to the Premier League and I think they will be.”

We'll have the derby back for a season, sure

If Sunderland do manage to get promoted then the addition of two derbies to the fixture list next season will surely be a welcome one. Let's be honest, Newcastle United owe them a few.

We halted their winning streak last season in the FA Cup, but they already had the in-built excuse of being in a lower league, so to face them once again in the Premier League to demolish them twice in a season ... yeah, bring it on.

I mean, other than Chris Rigg, I'm not sure I could name any of their current squad, so unless they manage to spend big in the summer, they'll only get one season in the top flight anyway.