Sunderland v Newcastle: the key battles for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby | OneFootball

Sunderland head to St James Park on Sunday lunchtime aiming to complete a league double over Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby. The contest could hinge on a handful of tactical battles.

Sunderland Echo highlights that Regis Le Bris and Eddie Howe have big calls to make, and that beyond the usual intensity, control of specific areas could be decisive if the Black Cats are to maintain their recent edge over the Magpies.

In midfield, Granit Xhaka’s influence on and off the ball, plus his leadership, cannot be overstated against a Newcastle unit rich in power and energy. Stifling Sandro Tonali and Joelinton could be pivotal, with Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki needing to meet the challenge in their first away derby.

Out wide, the return of England international Tino Livramento has lifted Newcastle, while Lewis Hall’s presence can transform their attacking patterns. Their overlapping runs will threaten Sunderland, so the Black Cats wingers must work both ways to curb the home full-backs.

Up front, Brobbey has been a formidable focal point in his first season on Wearside, troubling some of the Premier League’s strongest defences. Newcastle are likely to seek possession and impose themselves in front of their crowd, which would make Brobbey’s hold-up play and physical duel with Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw vital to easing pressure and keeping the ball high up the pitch.

Source: Sunderland Echo