Newcastle vs Sunderland Preview: Tyne-Wear Derby Returns to St James’ Park

Newcastle United and Sunderland renew their fierce rivalry

Newcastle United and Sunderland renew their fierce rivalry on Sunday in the Tyne-Wear derby, with the Magpies hosting the Black Cats at St James’ Park for the first time since 2016.

Eddie Howe’s men head into the clash off the back of a damaging midweek defeat to Barcelona, while Régis Le Bris’ side have also struggled, suffering a shock home loss to Brighton and an unexpected defeat against Port Vale in their last two matches.

Newcastle had begun to build momentum in March, claiming an impressive win over Manchester United with 10 men and ending a 14-year wait for victory at Stamford Bridge, but that progress was halted by their defeat to Barcelona.

The Magpies were unfortunate not to take a result from the first leg against Hansi Flick’s side, but in the return fixture in Catalonia, Newcastle were heavily beaten 7-2 on the night. When it comes to the latter stages of knockout football, the margins are fine and every team possesses top quality something Barcelona ultimately demonstrated.

The 7-2 defeat means the last two English managers to face Barcelona at the Camp Nou have both conceded seven goals, with Eddie Howe joining Gary Neville, who suffered the same fate in 2016.

Sunderland’s Dip in Form

The visitors, Sunderland, are also enduring a dip in form.

A shock FA Cup defeat to Port Vale denied the Black Cats a trip to Wembley for a second consecutive season, while a loss to Brighton in the same week compounded their struggles.

Sunderland’s league form has also been underwhelming, with just one win in their last six Premier League matches.

Despite a strong return to the Premier League, they have slipped to 13th place, though remain just five points off a European spot.

Team News

Newcastle face several injury concerns:

• Sandro Tonali (groin) – not believed to be serious

• Lewis Miley – already ruled out

• Emil Krafth (knee)

• Fabian Schär (ankle)

• Bruno Guimarães (thigh)

All are expected to remain sidelined until after the international break.

For Sunderland:

Régis Le Bris has neither confirmed nor ruled out Reinildo Mandava’s availability as he recovers from a knee issue.

Several players face late fitness tests:

• Wilson Isidor

• Dan Ballard

• Enzo Le Fée

• Robin Roefs

• Nordi Mukiele

Confirmed absentees:

• Jocelin Ta Bi

• Nilson Angulo

• Romaine Mundle

• Bertrand Traoré

Predicted Line-ups

Newcastle United XI:

Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Ramsey, Willock, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes

Sunderland XI:

Ellborg; Geertruida, O’Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Le Fée, Brobbey, Talbi

Prediction

As with any derby, the outcome is unpredictable. However, Sunderland face a significant challenge with an injury-hit squad, making a first victory at St James’ Park in 13 years a daunting task.

For Newcastle, this fixture presents an opportunity to respond to their midweek defeat and avenge their 1-0 loss to Sunderland in December.

Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Sunderland