Newcastle’s Guimaraes relishing chance to be a ‘king’ against Sunderland

Bruno Guimaraes believes Newcastle United must beat Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby to be “kings” of the region.

The Magpies face the Black Cats in the Premier League for the first time since March 2016, when the two sides drew 1-1 at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle have lost their last three away league games against Sunderland, more than they had in their previous 21 visits combined (W6 D13 L2). They have never lost four in a row at the Stadium of Light before.

Guimaraes has scored five Premier League goals this season, only netting more in a single campaign in 2023-24 (seven). However, all five of his strikes this season have come in home games, while nine of his last 10 overall have come at St James’ Park.

The Brazilian midfielder is determined to change Newcastle’s recent record against their rivals as they look to also leapfrog them in the table.

“I know it’s going to be a tough atmosphere, but it’s a derby, it’s a final,” Guimaraes told Sky Sports News.

Derby day. pic.twitter.com/28VSvlmbMR

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 12, 2025

“We have to perform, we have to play well and we have to win, so that’s the mentality now.

“The fans are very excited, us as players are very excited as well. It’s going to be a very good moment for both teams, for both cities, after nine years without a [Premier League] derby.

“I love this type of game. Always as a team, we perform well when we know that the atmosphere is going to be good.

“We know if we want to be a king here, we have to win the derby. We can’t wait to get on Sunderland and play our best football, hopefully.”