Sunderland are unbeaten in nine Premier League Tyne–Wear derbies, dating back to 2011.
Although, having won 3-0 at the Stadium of Light in the FA Cup two seasons ago, the Magpies are seeking successive away wins over the Black Cats for the first time since 2006 when Alan Shearer scored during his last-ever derby.
Sunderland vs Newcastle preview
After almost a decade away, the Tyne–Wear derby is back on the Premier League calendar, so who will claim both bragging rights and three points in the North East on Sunday?
Of the two, after 15 fixtures, it is Sunderland who kick off higher in the table, something few surely would've foreseen back in August. The newly-promoted Black Cats suffered just a fourth defeat of the campaign last weekend, smashed 3-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad. Nevertheless, having very nearly beaten Liverpool at Anfield three days earlier, Chemsdine Talbi opening the scoring during a 1-1 draw on Merseyside, confidence should remain high among Régis Le Bris' players.
Meantime, Sunderland are still yet to taste defeat at home, winning four of seven matches. In the last two on Wearside, Brian Brobbey's acrobatic injury time equaliser salvaged a draw against league-leaders Arsenal, before the Black Cats fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Bournemouth 3-2. It has been a long time since the Stadium of Light has been a fortress in the top division, winning only three home games when they were last in the Premier League, losing 11, but this is a different Sunderland side, albeit one that is as determined to claim a derby victory as any that has come before.
As for Newcastle United, they make the 12 mile journey southeast having been pretty miserable on the road. Eddie Howe's side failed to win any of their first six Premier League away matches this season, prior to a resounding 4-1 hammering of Everton at Bramley-Moore Dock a fortnight ago. Overall, the Magpies have picked up ten points from their last four Premier League fixtures, most recently beating Burnley 2-1 on Tyneside, but remain 12th, three places below their hosts.
Then, on Wednesday night, the Toon Army were in North Rhine-Westphalia, witnessing another disappointing away result. After Bayer Leverkusen dominated the first half, an Anthony Gordon penalty followed by Lewis Miley's header seemingly had Newcastle set for a 2-1 victory in Germany, only for die Schwarzroten to equalise two minutes from time. An energy-sapping and frustrating mid-week result is the last thing Newcastle needed before a derby, so could that give Sunderland the edge? Whatever happens, this clash on Sunday afternoon is not one to be missed.
Sunderland vs Newcastle United head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 156.
- Sunderland Wins: 53. Draws: 49. Newcastle United Wins: 54.
Sunderland team news
Luke O'Nien's late red card at the Etihad means he is suspended, while Habib Diarra remains sidelined, albeit he is poisted to be back soon.
This is the final fixture before Régis Le Bris sees five players depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, namely Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaka, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traoré and Chemsdine Talbi, while Simon Adingra was not included in the Côte d'Ivoire squad.
Le Bris often switches to a back three against tougher opponents, so his team selection will be an indication as to how he views Newcastle.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, Ballard, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Traoré, Le Fée; Talbi; Brobbey.
Sunderland player to watch vs Newcastle
Granit Xhaka won eight of his 11 meetings with Newcastle during his time at Arsenal, scoring a rocket at St James' in 2018, so could he be the Sunderland hero here?
Newcastle team news
Aaron Ramsdale will continue to don the gloves for Eddie Howe's team, with Nick Pope struggling due to a groin injury, while defenders Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier are also absent.
Meantime, Joelinton suffered a knock against Leverkusen, making him a doubt, meaning teenager Lewis Miley, who scored off the bench at the BayArena, could come into midfield.
Anthony Gordon has now scored five goals and registered two assists in this season's Champions League, only Kylian Mbappé has more goal involvements, despite the fact he's netted only twice in the Premier League to date. Lastly, Yoane Wissa could feature, having made his long-awaited first two appearances for the club off the bench in both matches this week.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Miley; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.
Newcastle player to watch vs Sunderland
Nick Woltemade has already made himself a Geordie hero, scoring seven times for the club to date, so could he be the derby match-winner on Wearside?
Sunderland vs Newcastle prediction
As already alluded to, we make Sunderland favourites to win this Tyne–Wear derby. The Black Cats have been imperious at home, with the Magpies less than impressive on the road, while the fact that Newcastle were in mid-week action could count against them: Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle United.
Sunderland vs Newcastle United FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Sunderland vs Newcastle in the Premier League on TV channel?
Sunderland vs Newcastle United in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Sunderland vs Newcastle in the Premier League on live streaming?
Sunderland vs Newcastle United in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Sunderland vs Newcastle in the Premier League?
Sunderland vs Newcastle United takes place on Sunday 14 December 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (GMT), 9:00 (ET) & 6:00 (PT).