Score Predictions: Wear Derby centre stage as Sunderland Ladies face Durham

It’s Game Week 6, and it’s almost time for the big one!

The two top women’s sides in the north east of England go head to head for local bragging rights this lunchtime, so what do our panel of Roker Report writers think will happen this lunchtime...

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Katie Hume predicts... a score draw!

Durham are favourites to win the leauge, so this will be our toughest test. The biggest test will be how we keep Beth Hepple quiet. I expect Durham to have the majority of possession and it will be a massive battle in midfield. That said I have faith in our team so I’m sure we’ll be able to get a 1-1 draw!

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Ant Waterson predicts... a narrow home win

Without a doubt Sunderlands biggest challenge of the season. The form book gets written up in Derby games and I fully expect the lasses to go for it from the get-go.

The first goal is huge, and if we get that, I’m sure the support of the crowd will be enough to see the lasses through.

Prediction - 2-1 Sunderland

Photo by Chris Fryatt

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Charlotte Patterson predicts... the honours will be shared, or not!

The match between these two sides is sure to be one that is tightly contested. Both Durham and Sunderland have a plethora of attacking talent and ambition to win each game. Due to that, I feel like they will balance each other out and that a 1-1 draw is the most likely result and one I think most fans would be happy with.

Whilst I do think there is the potential that either side could just edge it with a 2-1 winner. I think both teams will be cautious of each other and not want to overcommit. Getting a feel for the game and pace first before looking for opportunities.

Regardless of the result. It will certainly be a great day out for all involved and one which will hopefully shine the limelight on teams in the north east. It’s fantastic as well that given the circumstances and situation of the last 18 months, that fans will be present to see these two great teams face off.

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Graeme Field Predicts... a tight score draw

This is going to be a cracking challenge for the lasses, against a side who currently sit top of the table. It’s a tricky game for me to predict. Sunderland Ladies are a team who you should never write off. However, despite a good start overall to the campaign, we’ve failed to win any of our last three games.

If we compare that to Durham Women, they have won four of the five games they have played so far this season. We do have a home advantage though against the table toppers, but at present, we’re struggling to create chances. As ever the first goal will be very important. Both sides are strong defensively, so I’m going for a 1-1 draw.

Prediction - Sunderland Ladies 1-1 Durham Women

Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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Rich Speight predicts... a good performance, but another narrow defeat

I really, really hope I’m proven wrong - but I do want to try to be realistic here and not always write through red & white tinted glasses. Durham are an impressive, strong, and experienced outfit, and have quality in absolutely every department. A lot of our side are still learning at this level.

Yes, we’re at home - but it’s not like the Wildcats have a long way to travel. I think it will be a heartbreaking 0-1 loss for the Lasses, but a performance that will give them a lot to build upon against the side that must surely be favourites to go up.