Sunderland welcome Newcastle United to the stadium of Light for the famous Tyne-Wear derby in the Match-Day 16 of the premier league, Softfootball reports.
The Magpies have been on tremendous form under Eddie Howe and the last time they met Sunderland in ended 3-0 in their favour. However, Newcastle drew 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur in their last premier league match before drawing 2-2 in midweek against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
For Black Cats manager, Regis Le Bris, this is his first Tyne-Wear and after Sunderland lost 3-0 to Manchester City in their last premier league match and would see a win against their bitter rivals.
On the other hand, Newcastle United are already buzzing ahead of the fixture like they shared via their official X handle. They posted:
Derby day. 🔜🍿 pic.twitter.com/28VSvlmbMR
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 12, 2025Head-to-Head
The games between both side is always close but the Magpies have managed to edge the fixture, having played 157 times in their history (excluding friendlies) with Newcastle just edging out Sunderland by a win, 54 to 53 wins respectively whilst sharing 50 draws.
Star Player
Granit Xhaka is undoubtably the key man for newly promoted Sunderland. He coaches the players sometimes on the pitch because of his experience. The former Arsenal man has been immersed for the Black Cats since he joined from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
Anthony Gordon has not played enough matches due to injuries and suspensions but he is still a very good asset to the team. He carries great attacking threat and create goals
Team News
Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien will watch the derby from home as he begins a three-game ban for his late red card at the Etihad.
Black Cats left-back Reinildo Mandava has resumed training after a groin injury and is expected to be given the green light to play, while Dennis Cirkin (wrist) and Leo Hjelde (Achilles) are also close to first-team comebacks.
Habib Diarra (groin) and Aji Alese (shoulder) are still in the treatment room, but the hosts are otherwise in good nick for derby day, where Le Bris is facing a familiar quandary over Brian Brobbey or Wilson Isidor up front.
For Newcastle, Howe risks being without fundamental midfielder Joelinton for the Tyne-Wear derby, as the Brazilian picked up a groin problem of unspecified severity during the four-goal draw with Leverkusen.
Lewis Miley is set for another start after he started at the BayArena, so the 19-year-old should certainly be considered for a momentous start on Sunday, when Emil Krafth (knee), Sven Botman (back), Nick Pope (groin), Kieran Trippier (thigh) and Will Osula (ankle) will be missing once more.
Anthony Gordon aims to score in three straight top-flight games for the first time ever, although both of his Premier League strikes this season have come from the penalty spot.
Sunderland probable line-up
Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo; Talbi, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee; Brobbey
Newcastle United probable line-up
Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Burn; Tonali, Guimaraes, Miley; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon
Softfootball prediction
It will be a very tough game and because it’s a derby and there’s a lot of bragging rights for the fans. Sunderland 1-2 Newcastle.
