Newcastle United vs Sunderland – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Newcastle United welcome Sunderland to St James’ Park on Sunday for a massive Tyne-Wear derby, with the Magpies desperate to snap a decade-long hoodoo against their fiercest rivals.

The Magpies return to Tyneside looking to heal the wounds of a “black and blue” midweek in Barcelona, where they were eliminated from the Champions League following a bruising 7–2 defeat at the Camp Nou.

Despite their European exit, Eddie Howe’s men have been perfect in the Premier League this March, securing back-to-back wins over Manchester United and Chelsea to climb above Sunderland in the table.

Notably, Newcastle are aiming for a 100% winning month in the league for the first time since 2018. But they must overcome a psychological hurdle; they haven’t kept a clean sheet against the Black Cats since 2011.

Sunderland arrive on Tyneside with a historic record within their grasp, aiming to extend their unbeaten derby streak to an unprecedented 11 matches.

Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have already tasted derby success this term with a 1–0 win in December. This game featured the second-lowest combined xG (0.54) on record for a Premier League match.

While recent form has been patchy—scoring just four goals in their last eight outings—Sunderland have been experts at grinding out results from losing positions. They have earned 16 points from such scenarios this season.

A victory today would see them leapfrog Newcastle and potentially reignite their push for a top-seven finish.

Newcastle United vs Sunderland – Match preview and team news

Team News

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe faces a major concern over Sandro Tonali, who limped out of the Barcelona defeat with a groin injury. However, he remains in contention following a positive initial assessment. Notably, Tino Livramento and Sven Botman are expected to return to the starting XI after being rested in midweek.

The Magpies remain without Bruno Guimarães, Fabian Schär, and Lewis Miley, all of whom are expected back after the international break. Anthony Gordon enters the derby in sensational form, looking to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time in his career.

Sunderland

Régis Le Bris is hopeful that Enzo Le Fée and Reinildo Mandava will be fit to feature, though Nordi Mukiele and Dan Ballard face late fitness tests. The visitors are definitely without Bertrand Traoré, Romaine Mundle, and Nilson Angulo.

Notably, Sunderland’s defensive organisation has been their bedrock; they have recorded 135 blocks this season, the second-highest tally in the Premier League.

Form

Newcastle United

Newcastle are domestic high-fliers this month, having won their last two Premier League games against Manchester United (2-1) and Chelsea (1-0). Despite their recent European nightmare, the Magpies have extended their scoring run to 15 matches in all competitions.

Significantly, they have struggled for stability, dropping 19 points from winning positions this term—the second-most in the division.

Sunderland

Sunderland’s momentum has stalled following back-to-back 1-0 defeats in the FA Cup and Premier League, leaving them 13th in the table. However, their road form provides a glimmer of hope.

They won their last away league game at Leeds and are looking to record consecutive away wins with clean sheets for the first time in the 21st century. Significantly, they remain unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Newcastle.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Ramsey, Willock, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes

Sunderland Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ellborg; Geertruida, O’Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Le Fee, Brobbey, Talbi

How to Watch Newcastle United vs Sunderland?

The match will air live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage begins at 11:30 GMT ahead of the 12:00 kick-off.

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