The Wear-Tyne derby returns to the Premier League for the first time since 2016, with Sunderland hosting Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The atmosphere promises to be lively for Régis Le Bris’s first experience of this intense rivalry. Sunderland is currently performing well, standing ninth in the league and remaining unbeaten in their last nine encounters with Newcastle, a streak that dates back to 2011.
Newcastle, managed by Eddie Howe, is also in decent form, recently gaining 10 points from their last four matches to climb to 12th, just one point behind Sunderland. However, they face a challenge, as they have lost their last three away games at Sunderland.
Sunderland vs Newcastle United – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 14 December 2025
- Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
- Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- VAR: Stuart Attwell
- Last Meeting: Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle United, 6 January 2024, FA Cup
Team News
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris has received good news with left-back Reinildo Mandava returning from injury. Unfortunately, they will miss key defender Luke O’Nien, who is serving a three-match suspension after his red card against Manchester City. Habib Diarra and Aji Alese are also unavailable due to injury. Le Bris must decide between Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey for the forward position.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe is concerned about the fitness of midfielder Joelinton, who sustained a groin injury during a recent match against Bayer Leverkusen. If he’s unable to play, Lewis Miley may take his place. The injury list for Newcastle is lengthy, with Sven Botman, Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, and Will Osula all sidelined. Anthony Gordon will aim to continue his goal-scoring form.
Form
Sunderland
Sunderland’s home ground has proven strong this season, as they are one of two teams still unbeaten at home in the Premier League. They have already earned more points at home than in their entire 2016-17 season. However, their recent performance has been mixed, with only one win in their last six league games.
Newcastle United
Newcastle enters this match with recent momentum, winning three of their last four Premier League encounters. Their recent 4-1 victory against Everton ended a streak of nine away games without a win. However, defensively, they have struggled, having both scored and conceded in each of their last eight league matches. Historically, they have not performed well at the Stadium of Light, risking a fourth consecutive league defeat there.
Predicted Lineups
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo; Talbi, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée; Brobbey
Newcastle United predicted XI: Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Schär, Burn; Tonali, Guimarães, Miley; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon
How to watch Sunderland vs Newcastle United?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 13:00 GMT.
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