The Tyne-Wear derby is back as Sunderland host Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday at 2:00pm. With both sides separated by just a single point in the league, this one looks as fiery as ever. Find our match preview and best bets below.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on recent attacking trends and a decisive last derby, here are our recommended bets for the Sunderland vs Newcastle United clash. We’re especially confident in backing Newcastle United to win, given their more potent attack and recent derby dominance.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland Draw no Bet | 11/8 @ BOYLESports (42.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newcastle have been poor defensively this season. They opened the campaign with five clean sheets in their first seven league matches but have not managed another since. Across all competitions they have kept only one clean sheet in nine. They are still dangerous going forward and have scored in 17 games in a row, but their back line remains a major concern. Sunderland’s price looks even more surprising when you consider their form. The newly promoted side are enjoying an outstanding season under Regis Le Bris. They sit ninth in the Premier League table, only three points away from the top four, and they have not lost a home match this season. With that record they look far too big at 23/10. The better option is Sunderland in the draw no bet market at 11/8 with BOYLESports, which offers strong value given the circumstances. |
| Dan Burn to be carded | 5/2 @ BOYLESports (28.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Recent derbies have been chaotic, with three of the last four producing huge card totals (6,2,7,8). booking markets. Dan Burn stands out at 5/2 as a player to attack in this market. He already has five yellow cards this season as well as a red that came from two more bookings, and he has made 21 appearances. Add in the fact that he is a local Newcastle supporter playing in a heated derby and he becomes an appealing selection. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into Sunderland vs Newcastle
Sunderland have surprised everyone this season. Under Regis Le Bris, the promoted side have held their own in the Premier League, even if recent results have brought them back down to earth. They have only won one of their last six league matches, though taking points from Arsenal and Liverpool shows they can compete. Their 3–0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend was a reminder of the gap to the elite.
Even so, sitting ninth in the table is far better than anyone expected, and their home form has been outstanding. Sunderland are unbeaten in their first seven Premier League games at the Stadium of Light, collecting 15 points. That is already more than they earned at home in the entire 2016–17 campaign.
History also leans their way in the derby. Sunderland have not lost a league match to Newcastle since 2011, and they have won the last three meetings at home. Another victory would see Eddie Howe record Newcastle’s first ever run of four straight league defeats away to their rivals.
Newcastle arrive after a demanding Champions League trip to Bayer Leverkusen, where a late equaliser earned them a draw and extended their unbeaten streak to four matches. They have taken 10 points from their last four league games and climbed to 12th, just behind Sunderland. Their 4–1 win at Everton was their first Premier League away victory of the season, but derby day tends to ignore recent form once the game begins.
Sunderland team news
Luke O’Nein is suspended, while Mouhamadou Diarra is out with a groin issue. Reinildo is a doubt.
Newcastle team news
Kieran Tripper, Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Emil Krafth and William Osula are out. Joelinto will be assessed before kick-off.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date: Both Sunderland and Newcastle United sit mid-table after 15 matches, separated by just a point. Sunderland are 9th with 23 points, Newcastle 12th with 22, each recording six wins so far. Sunderland’s recent form has seen them slip from 6th to 9th, while Newcastle have held steady at 12th. Both sides average just over a goal scored per game, but Newcastle have a marginally better goal difference.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | 9 | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 17 | +1 | 23 |
| Newcastle United | 12 | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 19 | +2 | 22 |
Head-to-Head
Last 1 Meeting
The most recent North East derby saw Newcastle United travel to Sunderland and run out emphatic 3-0 winners in the FA Cup, underlining their current edge in this fixture.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 06/01/24 | Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle United | FA Cup |
Conclusion
This game should be a cracker with the noise levels as loud as ever at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Backing the hosts in the Draw no Bet market at 11/8 looks a wise play, while taking the 5/2 about a Dan Burn card should give us a good run for our money.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
