Match Overview

The Tyne–Wear derby returns to the Stadium of Light as Sunderland host Newcastle United in a high-stakes Premier League clash. Sunderland aim to channel strong recent home displays into derby momentum, while Newcastle look to correct a difficult run on the road. The rivalry is historically tight, and the memory of Newcastle’s 3-0 FA Cup win earlier this year adds another edge. Expect a committed, tactical contest shaped by intensity and discipline on both sides.

• Fixture: Sunderland vs Newcastle United
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Stadium of Light
• Date: 14-12-2025
• Kickoff: 14:00 GMT / 14:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland

• R. Roefs (GK)
• T. Hume
• N. Mukiele
• D. Ballard
• O. Alderete
• N. Sadiki
• G. Xhaka
• E. Le Fee
• C. Rigg
• W. Isidor
• B. Traore

Newcastle United

• A. Ramsdale (GK)
• D. Burn
• M. Thiaw
• V. Livramento
• F. Schär
• Bruno Guimarães
• S. Tonali
• Joelinton
• J. Murphy
• N. Woltemade
• A. Elanga

Injury & Suspension Report

Sunderland

• H. Diarra – Groin Injury
• L. O’Nien – Red Card
• A. Alese – Shoulder Injury

Newcastle United

• Joelinton – Injury
• N. Pope – Muscle Injury
• W. Osula – Ankle Injury
• K. Trippier – Hamstring Injury
• E. Krafth – Knee Injury
• S. Botman – Lower Back Injury

Head-to-Head

Across 121 meetings, Newcastle hold a narrow edge with 45 wins to Sunderland’s 40, alongside 36 draws. Recent derbies have typically produced goals, averaging around three per game. Newcastle also won 3-0 in an FA Cup tie earlier this year.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Sunderland’s Black Cats roar at home as they clash with rivals in a gritty Wearside derby showdown

Sunderland’s recent work at the Stadium of Light has been measured and effective. They have scored nine times in their last five home matches, leaning on patient build-up and a disciplined defensive block. Even after a heavy defeat to Manchester City highlighted defensive gaps, the overall home trend has been positive. W. Isidor’s movement and finishing – three goals in seven home appearances – make him a key outlet, with support from B. Traore and midfield runners like C. Rigg.

Aaron Ramsdale’s command between the sticks offers solid backbone to Newcastle’s away push

Newcastle arrive with a mixed away picture: no wins in their last five on the road, but eight goals scored in that span shows they still create chances. A. Ramsdale has provided resilience, keeping four clean sheets in nine away matches, which gives the Magpies a platform even when results have been uneven. In midfield, Bruno Guimarães offers end product – he scored against Burnley in their last league outing and is up to five in the competition – while S. Tonali’s distribution and J. Murphy’s width can help transition quickly.

The tactical contrast is clear. Sunderland prefer a controlled tempo with compact spacing, then quick surges through midfield when the press is broken. Newcastle will look to disrupt those rhythms and exploit turnovers, with A. Elanga and N. Woltemade providing direct options ahead of Bruno Guimarães. Set-pieces and second phases could be decisive given the derby intensity and the disciplined shapes both teams are likely to adopt.

The rivalry context matters. Newcastle’s recent 3-0 FA Cup win at this venue offers psychological ballast, but Sunderland’s improved home output and intensity reduce the margin. With the hosts’ patience and the visitors’ away volatility counterbalanced by Ramsdale’s steadiness, a tight scoreline feels likely.

Prediction: Draw, 1-1.