Verdict: Over 4.5 cards
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
With Tyneside bragging rights up for grabs on Sunday lunchtime, Newcastle will welcome arch-rivals Sunderland to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, suffering an infamous Champions League exit over in Catalonia on Wednesday evening, Newcastle are desperate to claim an immediate response here. Eventually blown away at the hands of Spanish giants Barcelona as they slumped to a second-leg 7-2 drumming on foreign soil, Eddie Howe has found some extended pressure on his shoulders. Only just clinging to their spot in the top-half of the Premier League standings, the Magpies have drastically failed to find any kind of recent stability. Despite springing an upset in the capital last weekend as they snatched a 1-0 victory away at Chelsea, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad register just a single win from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Likewise, Newcastle have also recorded consecutive wins across all competitions since the start of January.
Newcastle Team News
Still sidelined with a hamstring injury, Newcastle have already confirmed that they will once again be without talismanic skipper Bruno Guimaraes on Sunday lunchtime. Likewise, the defensive duo of Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are still recovering from respective injury issues and will play no part here.
Bagging what turned out to be a pair of consolation Champions League strikes over in Catalonia on Wednesday, ex-Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanaga should keep his spot from the start. Enduring what has quickly become a recent nightmare at St. James’ Park, record-signing Nick Woltemade will likely settle for another spot on the bench.
Sunderland
As for the visitors, while Sunderland might have rightfully received a string of plaudits since making their iconic Premier League return this season, it is fair to say that the Black Cats have largely come crashing back down to earth over recent times. Essentially sat in top-flight limbo, Regis Le Bris’ side are desperately searching for some much-welcomed stability. Last seen putting in another toothless display as they slumped to a controversial 1-0 loss at home against Brighton, Sunday’s guests have recorded just a single win from any of their previous six consecutive Premier League showdowns. Likewise, suffering an infamous FA Cup exit on March 8th as they fell to another 1-0 defeat against League Two outfit Port Vale, Sunderland have also failed to find any kind of clinical edge in the final third.
Sunderland Team News
Missing each of Sunderland’s last three appearances, number one goalkeeper Robin Roefs remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue and will play no part here. While former PSG defender Nordi Mukiele might be inching towards a first-team return, the 28-year-old does remain a doubt this weekend.
Making a remarkable impact since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka will lead Sunderland out at St. James’. Returning from a minor knock against Brighton last week, ex-Ajax striker Brian Brobbey will lead Le Bris’ charge in the final third.
Newcastle vs Sunderland Key Factors to Consider
- When the two bitter Tyneside rivals met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 14th, the Black Cats claimed a famous 1-0 victory on home soil.
- Sunderland have recorded just a single win from any of their previous six Premier League appearances.
- Including their Champions League exit in midweek, Newcastle have recorded just a sole win from any of their last four outings across all fronts.
- Newcastle have remarkably won just a pair of their previous 10 showdowns at St. James’ Park within 90 minutes.
- Sunderland have failed to register more than a single strike in any of their last 13 consecutive matchups away from the Stadium of Light.
Conclusion
While Sunderland might have landed an iconic 1-0 victory when they welcomed their arch-rivals across Tyneside back in December, the Black Cats travel to St. James’ Park pencilled in as a real underdog contender. However, watching Newcastle suffer an infamous European exit overrun Catalonia on Wednesday, the Magpies have certainly gained a reputation for their glaring issues on home soil. In what looks set to be a tremendously fiery affair this weekend, we are expecting plenty of fireworks from Tyneside on Sunday lunchtime.
Verdict: Over 4.5 cards
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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