Newcastle United will have to put their midweek Champions League humbling aside when they host Sunderland at St. James' Park in a Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League at Sunday lunchtime.
Indeed, the Magpies were thumped 7-2 away to Barcelona in the second leg of their last-16 clash, eventually losing 8-3 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, Sunderland's last outing saw them lose 1-0 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, and they are now two points behind their North East rivals in the league.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our free expert Premier League predictions!
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Newcastle United vs Sunderland key stats
- Newcastle have won just once in four games in all competitions (D1, L2).
- Sunderland have won just once in five matches across all competitions (D1, L3).
- Newcastle have also won just once in the last 11 H2Hs (D3, L7).
Newcastle United vs Sunderland preview: Magpies' misery to continue?
| Newcastle | vs | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
| 9th | Position | 13th |
| 42 | Points | 40 |
| 43 | Goals For | 30 |
| 43 | Goals Against | 35 |
| 8 | Clean Sheets | 9 |
| 9th | Home Rank | 7th |
| 12th | Away Rank | 17th |
Newcastle were still in the game and the tie at half-time against Barcelona, but a second-half collapse saw them crash out of the Champions League with a whimper.
Knocked out of both domestic cups, the Magpies must solely focus on the Premier League now, and perhaps a late surge for the European places.
BTTS has come through in 14 of Newcastle's last 15 games.
However, they have been off the pace all season, and recent form suggests that they may miss out on Europe altogether.
A win against their arch rivals Sunderland would do wonders in terms of lifting spirits though, although that is not guaranteed even on home soil.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have the chance to do the double over Newcastle after beating them 1-0 at the Stadium of Light earlier this season.
Sunderland are the third-lowest scorers in the Premier League (30).
Also out of both cup competitions, the Black Cats can focus on finishing as high as possible in the league, and perhaps even above the Magpies.
They too are not in the best form either though, but anything can happen in a derby.
Nonetheless, the visitors could grab the perfect opportunity to take more bragging rights in the North East.
Newcastle United vs Sunderland form guide & betting tips
| Newcastle | vs | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
| W-L-L-W-W | League Form | L-L-D-W-L |
| 9 | Points | 4 |
| 6th | Form Table | 16th |
| 8 | Goals For | 3 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 6 |
| W-L-D-W-L | Form (all comps) | L-D-W-L-L |
Whispers predicts: Newcastle United 1-1 Sunderland
While Newcastle have been installed as 8/11 favourites with bookmakers to win this one, they are low on confidence after losing so heavily against Barcelona, and so we are willing to back against them here.
Sunderland are not in great form either though, and so we think a Draw at 3/1 with Ladbrokes appeals.
We also do not anticipate too many goals, as six of Sunderland's previous seven matches have provided two or fewer.
Under 2.5 goals at 1/1 with BetMGM therefore is a bet we think that is worth taking.
In terms of potential goalscorers, Anthony Gordon has netted in his previous two league appearances, and will be aiming to make it three in a row.
Also, a first-choice penalty taker should Newcastle get one, Anthony Gordon to score anytime at 2/1 with betway could be worth a punt.
Overall, we are predicting a 1-1 scoreline here, which is available at 7/1 with some bookmakers.
> Under 2.5 goals at 1/1 | Likelihood: Probable
> Anthony Gordon to score anytime at 2/1 | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw at 3/1 | Likelihood: Outsider