Sunderland vs Newcastle Preview: Team News & Prediction
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We have the eagerly awaited first Wear-Tyne Derby of the season at the Stadium of Light as high-flying Sunderland welcome arch-rivals Newcastle United down the road.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Telemundo
Sunderland preview: Brilliant Black Cats
Following their promotion to the Premier League last season, Sunderland have been very impressive as they sit tucked inside the top-half ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures, just three points outside of the top four after 15 matches.
However, as they prepare to lose several players due to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, their form has dipped of late with a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend making it just one win in their last six matches.
Newcastle preview: Inconsistent Newcastle
Newcastle United come into this one on the back of a topsy turvy encounter in midweek as they shared a thrilling 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, conceding a late equaliser after having been 1-0 down early.
The Magpies are beginning to find some form but their overall inconsistency throughout this season, following a turbulent and difficult summer, does mean they begin the game sitting a point behind their rivals, which would not have been expected in the summer.
Sunderland team news: Reinildo fit but O'Nien suspended
Having been a doubt for this one, it has been confirmed that Mozambique international Reinildo is fully fit and available for this weekend alongside fellow left-back Dennis Cirkin.
Club-record signing Habib Diarra has returned to full fitness this week, with the Senegal international potentially leaving for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations next week. Luke O'Nien is now missing through suspension.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete; Hume, Sadiki, Xhaka, Reinildo; Le Fee, Talbi; Isidor
Unavailable: Alese (Injured), O'Nien (Suspended), Hjelde (Fitness)
Questionable:
Newcastle team news: Joelinton to be assessed
In his pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe said he didn't 'think' any of the previously injured players would be able to make it back for the weekend with Joelinton having picked up a groin issue that will now need to be assessed.
It remains the case that Nick Pope is out for a couple more weeks and Kieran Trippier is expected to be unavailable until the New Year. Yoane Wissa did come off the bench against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon
Unavailable: Pope (Injured), Botman (Injured), Krafth (Injured), Trippier (Injured), Ashby (Injured), Osula (Injured)
Questionable: Botman (Injured), Joelinton (Injured)
Sunderland vs Newcastle prediction
The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light should be raucous and hostile, and that should mean we are in for a bit of a treat on Sunday. Sunderland have been pragmatic at their best but they simply have to get in the faces of a Newcastle side that are slick on the counter-attack. Either way, it is a game full of aggressive players with enjoyable styles of play and so both teams scoring would appear a good bet for this one on Wearside.
Sunderland vs Newcastle tip: Both teams to score
