Sunderland vs. Newcastle Preview: Old Rivalries Ignite New Dynamics, December 14th

Fans will finally witness the thrilling atmosphere of the northeast England derby on December 14th, as Sunderland hosts Newcastle in the Premier League. This match marks the return of a rivalry that has been absent from the top flight for almost a decade. Despite being newly promoted, Sunderland is poised to put on a show against their local rivals.

Sunderland’s Promising Start

In the ongoing Premier League season (2025/26), Sunderland stands out as one of only two teams, alongside Arsenal, that remains unbeaten at home. In their seven home matches this season, Sunderland has recorded four victories and three draws. Even strong teams like Arsenal and Aston Villa have been held to draws at the Stadium of Light.

In their most recent home match, Sunderland nearly faced defeat, trailing 2-0 within the first 15 minutes. However, a determined comeback led by Enzo le Fe helped the team escape with a draw. With 15 points secured at home, Sunderland has already surpassed their total points from the entire 2016/17 season, the last time they were relegated from the Premier League.

Currently, Sunderland is positioned 9th in the league, maintaining a comfortable 10-point cushion above the relegation zone. Instead of worrying about relegation, the Black Cats can aim for a spot in European competitions.

Newcastle’s Struggles

Newcastle enters this derby as the slight favorite due to a more talented squad. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins and two draws in their last four games. A significant concern for Newcastle is their performance away from home, where they’ve managed only one win out of seven league matches this season.

With three draws and three losses on the road, Newcastle has struggled to maintain focus. Currently sitting in 12th place, just one point behind Sunderland, they face a critical match. A victory at the Stadium of Light could elevate them into the top ten.

Historical Context

Historically, Newcastle has not fared well in this rivalry. In their last ten encounters with Sunderland, the Magpies have won just once, with three draws and six losses. Their last victory (3-0) came nearly a year ago in the FA Cup.

Team News for the Derby

• Sunderland: Luke O’Nien is serving a three-match suspension, while Dennis Cirkin, Habib Diarra, Aji Alese, and Leo Hjelde are still recovering from injuries.
• Newcastle: The injury list includes Joelinton, along with Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and Will Osula.

Expected Lineups

Match Prediction

The upcoming match between Sunderland and Newcastle is poised to be tightly contested, with a prediction of a 2-2 draw reflecting the intensity of this historic rivalry.