Credit: Imago

Joe Stephenson

Fri 6 June 2025 17:41, UK

Sunderland fans will have their eyes on one fixture ahead of next season.

The Tyne–Wear derby will commence in the Premier League for the first time in nine years, following the Black Cats’ promotion from the Championship.

The Stadium of Light played host to the clash in the third round of the 2024 FA Cup, where Newcastle United ran out 3-0 victors.

Sunderland enjoyed six consecutive victories over their arch-rivals from April 2013 to October 2015, the best winning run in the contest’s history.

Alan Shearer makes Sunderland admission

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer believes their season will be more exciting now Sunderland are back in the picture and is keeping a watchful eye on when the fixtures are released on June 18.

He told Betfair: “I know I’ve joked about Sunderland in the past, but in seriousness, it’s a much better season, as a player and fan, when you’ve got the derby to look forward to.

“They’re great games to play in, the fans look forward to them, you get away with a little bit more in terms of what you do and how you play. I wouldn’t say I’m pleased they got promoted, but in terms of the entertainment of the derby and having it to look forward to, I’m pleased they’re back in the Premier League.

“We had the cup game a couple of years ago when Newcastle won comfortably and I’d hope that happens again next season for obvious reasons but, as much as I laugh and joke about Sunderland, they really are good games to play in. As a fan now, I’m pleased they’re back but not for any other reason. Hopefully, Newcastle can take six points off them.”

The 54-year-old bagged six goals in 11 Tyne-Wear derby appearances, and knows exactly what it is like to compete in the hotly contested fixture.

The Black Cats will do well to continue their strong derby form

When both Tyne–Wear clubs last competed in the Premier League, Newcastle’s fortunes were vastly different.

The Magpies were relegated to the Championship in 2016, with Sunderland surviving by two points at the expense of their rivals.

Flash forward to the modern day, and Newcastle are set for their second Champions League campaign in three years, with a squad that features some of the Premier League’s leading talent.

Although Sunderland will be riding a high following promotion to the top-flight, recent history has shown that teams coming up from the second-tier have struggled immensely to compete.

Regis Le Bris will no doubt add to his squad and try to tactically prepare in an attempt to give his side the best chance of retaining their Premier League status, but the firepower of the division’s most competitive outfits could be too much to handle.

When the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon rock up at the Stadium of Light next term, the Black Cats will have to be on top form to avoid a first league defeat in the Tyne–Wear derby since 2011.