Newcastle vs Sunderland Betting Tips & Predictions

Could this tie get any feistier? Newcastle and Sunderland are two of the most fierce rivals in the Premier League and this meeting has a few added dimensions to it. Both teams are battling against relegation from the Premier League and the result of this match could prove crucial, and if that wasn’t enough they are also being managed by two men who don’t exactly see eye to eye: Sam Allardyce and Rafa Benitez. A win for either team here would provide a crucial three points and an all important boost in confidence and crowd support for the relegation battle.

Newcastle looked an improved side on Monday when they visited Leicester, but ultimately it counted for nothing as the Premier League leaders got a 1-0 win. However, the signs were encouraging for the new boss, but he still knows he has a huge battle on his hands.

Newcastle come into this game having lost four Premier League games in a row and sitting second from bottom in the table with just 24 points from their opening 29 games. Sunderland have one point more than their rivals and occupy 17th position, with Norwich in between them. At least one of these teams will end the weekend in the drop zone.

Sam Allardyce has never been relegated, and I know a fair few people would take him as their manager when their club was facing a relegation battle. Sunderland have been a changed squad since he took over, and the visitors come into this match having lost just one of their last five, with draws against Southampton, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool and a win against Manchester United.

The visitors also hold the psychological advantage of having won their last six Tyne-Wear derbies. I think the improved form, Big Sam’s relegation pedigree, and their recent meetings suggest that Sunderland can get something on Sunday. Odds of 3/4 for a Sunderland Win or Draw Double Chance look incredibly attractive, and I’m backing this along with a 2-1 win for the visitors at 12/1.