Sunderland vs Newcastle Predictions

• Newcastle’s last eight Premier League games have seen both teams score
• Sunderland are without a clean sheet in seven matches
• The Black Cats’ home clean sheets have come against two of the bottom three
• Newcastle have scored 10 times across their last four games in all competitions

Newcastle’s struggles add to derby tension

The return of the Tyne-Wear derby was always going to be one of the highlights of the Premier League campaign. However, the excitement seemed dampened somewhat by Newcastle’s deep pockets, along with the recent struggles of promoted sides.

However, these sides renew rivalries with Sunderland above Newcastle in the table, a point and three places above the 12th-placed visitors.

A heavy fixture burden – along with a damaging transfer window – has limited a Newcastle side that looked set to kick on after success last season. Instead, they’re languishing above a Sunderland side who are defying expectations. Now the Black Cats are hoping to turn the screw and stay within reach of the European spots.

Away form remains a concern for Howe

Newcastle have impressed in the league of late, but that form has been largely built on results at St James’ Park. They’ve won only one of their seven away league games, while they meet a Sunderland side who are unbeaten at the Stadium of Light.

Newcastle suffered another away setback as they conceded late at Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, while there’s little doubt that the hosts will be the fresher of the two sides.

The Black Cats made the most of a kind start to the season, but they’ve built on that momentum by holding their own in tough tests against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Hosting a Newcastle side who have fallen short at Brighton, Brentford, and West Ham should make Sunderland confident of upsetting the odds.

Sunderland’s resilience in big games feels like a continuation of their play-off heroics. Defender Dan Ballard didn’t come out of October’s international clash with Nick Woltemade on the winning side, but he has become a man for the big moments for his club. Ballard scored the goal to send Sunderland to Wembley, before netting at home to West Ham and Arsenal this season.

Defensive concerns creeping in for hosts

Sunderland’s great start has eased a little of late, with just one win in their last six games. The Black Cats are without a clean sheet in their previous seven, while Newcastle are impressing in attack having scored 10 times across their last four games.

However, both teams have scored in Newcastle’s last seven matches in all competitions, while BTTS has landed in eight consecutive Premier League outings.

Sunderland’s only home clean sheets have come against sides in the bottom three, while each of Newcastle’s last four league trips have ended with both sides scoring. While a game of this magnitude brings plenty of tension, there are defensive issues for both sides to target. Both teams to score appeals, along with a 1-1 draw.