Sunderland-supporting Sheffield United star makes strong Newcastle United admission

Sunderland fan Chris Basham wants to “get one over” Newcastle United when Sheffield United host the Magpies at Bramall Lane this afternoon (kick-off 4:30pm).

Basham grew up in Hebburn and was on the books of Newcastle as a kid before forging a professional career at Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and now the Blades.

Despite making over 450 appearances pro appearances, the 35-year-old hasn’t forgotten his Mackem roots as he eyes a positive result against their bitter rivals.

“They are all big games in the Premier League but this isn’t just another game, it is Newcastle United and obviously they’ll have come to us having been to the San Siro to play AC Milan in midweek,” Basham told the Blades’ matchday programme.

“Their sights have totally changed over the last year or so, they have qualified for the Champions League and their hopes and aspirations now will be about silverware. I

“It is a game with added significance for me in all honesty, there will be a lot of people in the away end I know, but as a Sunderland fan I always want to get one over them and obviously playing for Sheffield United we want our first three points to get our season up-and-running, that is the most important factor to me.”

Sheffield United are eyeing their first Premier League win of the season at the sixth attempt. Newcastle, meanwhile, are eyeing back-to-back victories after last weekend’s 1-0 win over Brentford ended a run of straight defeats.