Match Preview | Newcastle Eye Long-Awaited Derby Glory Against Sunderland

The Tyne-Wear derby descends on Tyneside as a Premier League fixture for the first time since March 2016, as the Black Cats travel to St. James’ Park on Sunday (12pm kick-off).

Newcastle are coming off the back of a heavy European defeat to Spanish giants Barcelona, as they crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Sunderland’s last game ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brighton last weekend – a third home defeat in a row for the Black Cats.

The Hosts: Newcastle United

 

Newcastle find themselves just inside the top half of the Premier League, having struggled with consistency this season.

The Magpies have juggled four competitions across this season which has hindered their league form – a pattern which has continued from their most recent European campaign in the 23-24 season.

However, with no distractions for the rest of the season and European football not out of sight, Eddie Howe’s side will be hoping to end the season on the front foot and a derby win, for the first time since 2011, could be the catalyst for the Geordies.

 

The Visitors: Sunderland AFC 

Sunderland have struggled for form since the turn of the year, only winning three league fixtures in 2026 and winning only one in their last six, which leaves them in 13th heading into the Tyne-Wear derby.

The Black Cats have defeated the stereotype handed to promoted sides in recent years as they look certain to survive relegation having already accrued 40 points with eight games remaining this season.

Sunderland boast an impressive unbeaten record against Newcastle in the Premier League, they will be looking to extend that this weekend and a victory would see them move above their rivals in the league table.

The Last Time Out: Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle

The Tyne-Wear derby returned to the Premier League in mid-December, with Sunderland remaining unbeaten at the Stadium of Light and Newcastle struggling away from home.

Sunderland started the better of the sides, gaining territory early on but failing to create any clear-cut opportunities.

The first half remained goalless with both sides tentative to commit bodies forward. Newcastle were forced into a first-half change after Dan Burn collided with Nordi Mukiele towards the end of the half.

Sunderland finally broke the deadlock after half time but from an unlikely source. The Magpies centre-forward Nick Woltemade got his headed clearance all wrong, which handed the Black Cats the lead just minutes into the second period.

Newcastle never recovered after falling behind, as Sunderland grew stronger in the game but never doubled their advantage.

After losing the last derby in the FA Cup Third Round, the Black Cats responded in this game and handed the Magpies a damaging defeat.

Team News:

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali came off in the second half against Barcelona with what appears to be a groin injury, and manager Eddie Howe said the Italian is a doubt for this weekend’s fixture.

Lewis Miley also missed the trip to Spain, but the Magpies will be boosted by Tino Livramento’s introduction after half time on Wednesday; he looked ready to be called into the starting line-up ahead of the derby.

Sunderland have also suffered with injuries, but they were boosted by the return of captain Granit Xhaka in recent weeks.

Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo and Dan Ballard are all doubts for the derby this Sunday, but manager Régis Le Bris is hopeful that Enzo Le Fee could return to the line-up.