Sunderland Vs. Newcastle: Preview, Team News, Lineups

Sunderland hosts Newcastle United to the Stadium of Light in the first Wear-Tyne derby of the season. The fixture also happens to be Sam Allardyce’s first Derby in charge of The Rokerites following the departure of Dick Advocaat.

Sunderland is still without a win this season that even makes the game more spicy to watch.The Black Cats supporters will certainly be looking to see what the new boss can bring to Sunderland.

On the other side of town, Newcastle, who have been as dreadful as their opponents, gave themselves a huge boost with a tremendous victory over Norwich City last week.

Bragging rights are priceless in The North-East. Let’s be honest neither set of fans have nothing to boast about in the league as European football seem a little bit out of reach for both teams.

In the previous five encounters, Sunderland have maintained an upper hand over the opposition.

KEY BATTLE:

This Derby will provide both teams the opportunity to set their campaign rolling as Derby victories always serve as morale boosters. The middle of the park will undoubtedly witness some mouth watering contest between Sunderland’s Yann M’villa and Newcastle’s Cheik Tiote. Sebastian Larsson will also look to stake his claim on this game considering his below par season so far, Moussa Sissoko is also expected to contribute more power and pace to the midfield to trigger a fierce battle in the middle of the park.

Spotlight Players:

FABIO BORINI: After sealing a permanent move to Sunderland from Liverpool, Borini has not lived up to expectations, and has a point to prove to Big Sam this weekend.

GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM: Four goals in his last game and six goals this season, the former PSV man has really adapted to life in England and is expected to play a big hand in this weekend’s derby.

HEAD TO HEAD
This fixture seems to be the perfect derby as both sides have 53 wins to 52 wins each. There have been 49 draws between these two sides.

PREVIOUS MEETING
The last game between Sunderland and Newcastle was on April 05 2015 which the Black Cats won by a lone goal scored by Jermain Defoe from a stunning volley on the cusp of half-time.

TEAM NEWS

SUNDERLAND: Jack Rodwell returns to the team after missing the West Brom game due to an ankle injury, Adam Mathews should also be back.
NEWCASTLE: Newcastle are still without Tim Krul, who sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Holland. Obertan and Taylor should make the trip to Sunderland.

Predicted starting XI

Sunderland: Costel Pantililimon, Billy Jones, John O’Shea, Younes Kaboul, Andre Yedlin, Yann M’Villa, Sebastian Larsson, Lee Cattermole, Jermain Lens, Jermain Defoe, Fabio Borini.

Newcastle: Robert Eliot, Paul Dumet, F.Coloccini, Daryl Janmaat, Chancek Mbemba, G.Wijnaldum, Cheick Tiote, Moussa Sissoko, Jack Colback, Ayoze Perez, A.Mitrovic.

PREDICTION
With Sam Allardyce looking to breathe new life into the Sunderland team and McClaren hoping for another massive victory, the weekend fixture is expected to be full of drama but is predicted to result in a draw.