Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League stage as Sunderland and Newcastle United clash at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
March 2016 marked their last top-flight meeting, though Eddie Howe’s Magpies claimed a 3-0 FA Cup win on Wearside in 2024. This time, the stakes—and the atmosphere—are even higher.
Sunderland
Regis Le Bris will experience his first taste of derby day intensity, and the Frenchman has already won hearts since guiding Sunderland back to the big time. The newly-promoted Black Cats have exceeded expectations, sitting ninth in the table, though recent results have tempered early-season optimism. Just one win in their last six league games—albeit with draws against Arsenal and Liverpool—preceded a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Still, home form remains Sunderland’s trump card. They are unbeaten in seven Premier League matches at the Stadium of Light this season, a feat matched only by leaders Arsenal. Their 15 home points already surpass their entire tally from the 2016/17 campaign. Adding to the intrigue, Sunderland have not lost a league game to Newcastle in 10 meetings, last tasting defeat in August 2011.
Team News
Luke O’Nien begins a three-match ban after his red card at the Etihad, but Reinildo Mandava returns from a groin injury. Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde are nearing fitness, while Habib Diarra and Aji Alese remain sidelined. Up front, Le Bris faces a familiar dilemma: Brian Brobbey or Wilson Isidor to lead the line.
Newcastle
The Magpies have lost their last three league visits to Sunderland, and Howe risks an unwanted record—Newcastle have never lost four in a row away to their fiercest rivals. They arrive buoyed by a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including a 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, and have taken 10 points from their last four league matches to climb to 12th, just one point behind Sunderland.
Their first Premier League away win of the season—a 4-1 triumph at Everton—offers hope, but derby dynamics often defy form. Howe’s men have scored and conceded in each of their last eight league games, setting the stage for another end-to-end battle.
Team News
Joelinton is a major doubt after a groin issue, while Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and Will Osula remain out. Lewis Miley impressed off the bench in Germany and could earn a start. Anthony Gordon, chasing a third straight league goal, will be key despite both his strikes this season coming from penalties.
Head-to-Head
Overall Record (All Competitions):
This rivalry is among the most evenly contested in English football history, with just one win separating the two sides since their first meeting in 1898.
Matches Played: 157
Sunderland Wins: 53
Newcastle Wins: 54
Draws: 50
Premier League Record:
Matches Played: 28
Sunderland Wins: 9
Newcastle Wins: 9
Draws: 10
Sunderland are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League derbies against Newcastle (6 wins, 3 draws), a run dating back to August 2011.
Recent Meetings (Last 10 Competitive Matches):
Sunderland Wins: 6
Newcastle Wins: 1
Draws: 3
Notable results include Sunderland’s six-game winning streak between 2013 and 2015 and Newcastle’s 3-0 FA Cup victory at the Stadium of Light in January 2024.
Conclusion
No team has won more points from losing positions than Sunderland, and none have squandered more from winning positions than Newcastle—a recipe for drama. With the Stadium of Light rocking and both sides carrying attacking intent, a high-scoring draw feels a realistic outcome, though neither will settle easily.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet